Visual Field Loss

DC 6080Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.76a, DC 6080

Loss of peripheral (side) vision or other parts of the visual field. This can result from glaucoma, stroke, brain injury, or other conditions. The VA rates visual field loss based on how much the field of vision has narrowed, measured in degrees using specialized testing (perimetry). Ratings increase as the visual field shrinks.

Rating Levels

Both of your eyes have lost nearly all peripheral vision. Your visual field in each eye has narrowed to 5 degrees or less — this is considered equivalent to blindness.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral concentric contraction to 5 degrees or less
Near-total visual field loss in both eyes
Visual field testing confirming bilateral severe contraction
Inability to function independently
Equivalent to blindness for VA purposes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting formal visual field testing (Goldmann kinetic perimetry or automated perimetry) — the VA rates visual field loss based on degrees of remaining field, so this specific test is required.
⚠Not understanding that visual field loss is rated separately from visual acuity — you can have 20/20 central vision but still get a high rating if your peripheral vision is severely restricted.
⚠Not connecting visual field loss to its underlying cause, such as a service-connected traumatic brain injury, stroke, glaucoma, or retinal condition. Filing the visual field loss as secondary to the primary condition strengthens the claim.
⚠Not requesting Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if your bilateral visual field loss qualifies as legal blindness — significant bilateral field loss may qualify for additional benefits.
⚠Not documenting how visual field loss affects your daily life — difficulty driving, bumping into objects, tripping on stairs, and safety concerns are all important functional impacts to report.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

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Condition Rating Guides

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Visual Field Loss

Rating Levels

Both of your eyes have lost nearly all peripheral vision. Your visual field in each eye has narrowed to 5 degrees or less — this is considered equivalent to blindness.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral concentric contraction to 5 degrees or less
Near-total visual field loss in both eyes
Visual field testing confirming bilateral severe contraction
Inability to function independently
Equivalent to blindness for VA purposes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting formal visual field testing (Goldmann kinetic perimetry or automated perimetry) — the VA rates visual field loss based on degrees of remaining field, so this specific test is required.

⚠Not understanding that visual field loss is rated separately from visual acuity — you can have 20/20 central vision but still get a high rating if your peripheral vision is severely restricted.

⚠Not connecting visual field loss to its underlying cause, such as a service-connected traumatic brain injury, stroke, glaucoma, or retinal condition. Filing the visual field loss as secondary to the primary condition strengthens the claim.

⚠Not requesting Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if your bilateral visual field loss qualifies as legal blindness — significant bilateral field loss may qualify for additional benefits.

⚠Not documenting how visual field loss affects your daily life — difficulty driving, bumping into objects, tripping on stairs, and safety concerns are all important functional impacts to report.