Visual Field Loss VA Rating: DC 6080 and DC 6081 Perimetry Tables Guide

The human visual field represents the entire area visible to the eye while fixation remains steady on a central point. Under 38 CFR 4.76, visual field contraction and defects must be demonstrated through formal perimetry. The gold standard is Goldmann perimetry using the standard III/4e white test object, though automated threshold perimetry (such as Humphrey 30-2 or 24-2) is accepted when plotted against equivalent standards. Normal visual field spans roughly 500 degrees across eight principal meridians: temporal (85 degrees), down-temporal (85 degrees), down (65 degrees), down-nasal (50 degrees), nasal (60 degrees), up-nasal (55 degrees), up (45 degrees), and up-temporal (55 degrees).

Diagnostic Code 6080 establishes specific percentage evaluations for named visual field defect patterns. Homonymous hemianopsia (loss of the same half of the visual field in both eyes) is rated at 30%. Loss of the temporal half of the visual field is rated 30% if bilateral and 10% if unilateral. Loss of the inferior half is rated 30% if bilateral and 10% if unilateral. Loss of the nasal half or superior half is rated 10% whether bilateral or unilateral. These percentage tiers reflect the greater functional disability caused by loss of lower and temporal fields during walking and daily navigation.

When disease produces generalized narrowing or tunnel vision, DC 6080 rates the remaining field of vision in the better eye. A remaining visual field of 5 degrees or less warrants a 100% evaluation for bilateral contraction or 30% for unilateral contraction. Remaining fields of 6 to 15 degrees are rated 70% bilateral or 20% unilateral. Remaining fields of 16 to 30 degrees receive 50% bilateral or 10% unilateral. Remaining fields of 31 to 45 degrees receive 30% bilateral or 10% unilateral. Remaining fields of 46 to 60 degrees receive 10% bilateral or 10% unilateral.

An essential and protective rule in DC 6080 is the alternative visual-acuity evaluation mechanism. For every visual field defect row, the schedule provides a specific equivalent visual acuity rating that raters may assign instead. For example, unilateral loss of the temporal half may be evaluated as 20/70 visual acuity in the affected eye, and concentric contraction to 5 degrees may be evaluated as 5/200 acuity. Under the mandatory higher-evaluation principle of 38 CFR 4.7, the VA must assign whichever method produces the higher evaluation for the veteran.

Diagnostic Code 6081 governs unilateral scotomas (blind spots). A mandatory 10% minimum floor is assigned when a scotoma affects at least one-quarter of the visual field (quadrantanopsia) or when a scotoma is centrally located regardless of size. If the resulting visual impairment would compute higher than 10% under the visual acuity tables, that higher evaluation is awarded. Visual field defects frequently occur secondary to traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, pituitary adenomas, or glaucoma. Under 38 CFR 3.310, Association between conditions does not by itself establish secondary service connection. The evidence must support causation or aggravation in the individual claim.