Diagnostic Code 6011 · 38 CFR §4.79
Diagnostic code 6011 covers permanent retinal damage in the form of scars, areas of atrophy (tissue thinning or death), and structural irregularities. These changes represent the end result of various injuries or diseases that have damaged the retina. In veterans, retinal scarring can result from laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy, healed retinal detachment repairs, trauma from blast injuries, resolved infections, or other retinal conditions. The visual impact depends on the location of the scars. The CFR provides a specific 10% rating for centrally located scars, atrophy, or irregularities that result in an irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image. Alternatively, the condition can be evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye if that produces a higher rating.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Localized scars, atrophy, or irregularities of the retina (unilateral or bilateral) that are centrally located and result in an irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image. This is the specific rating under DC 6011. |
| 60% | Alternatively, if the General Rating Formula produces a higher rating: seven or more incapacitating episodes requiring treatment visits during the past 12 months, or equivalent visual impairment. |
| 40% | Under the General Rating Formula alternative: at least five but fewer than seven treatment visits during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | Under the General Rating Formula alternative: at least three but fewer than five treatment visits during the past 12 months. |
Retinal examination with fundus photography showing scar locations and extent is essential. OCT imaging documenting retinal thinning or structural changes, visual acuity testing with best corrected results, visual field testing mapping the functional impact of the scars, and documentation connecting the scarring to a service-connected event or condition all strengthen your claim.
Yes. Laser photocoagulation scars are permanent retinal damage. If the laser treatment was for service-connected diabetic retinopathy, the resulting scars and any associated visual field loss can be rated as secondary to the diabetes. Peripheral laser scars can cause significant visual field constriction.
Location matters significantly. Central macular scars directly affect reading vision and detail recognition, causing higher functional impairment. Peripheral scars primarily affect side vision. The VA evaluates both through visual acuity testing (central impact) and visual field testing (peripheral impact). The specific 10% under DC 6011 applies to centrally located scars causing image distortion.