Glaucoma VA Disability Rating: Criteria, Evidence & Pay

What is glaucoma and how does it affect veterans?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, typically due to abnormally high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). The optic nerve carries visual information from your eye to your brain, and once it is damaged, the vision loss is permanent and irreversible. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision has been lost.

There are two main types. Open-angle glaucoma (the most common form) develops slowly over years, gradually reducing peripheral vision before eventually affecting central vision. Angle-closure glaucoma can develop suddenly with severe symptoms including eye pain, headache, nausea, and rapid vision loss — this is a medical emergency.

Veterans face glaucoma risk through multiple service-related factors. Eye injuries and head trauma from combat, training, or military vehicle accidents can damage the eye’s drainage system and increase intraocular pressure. Service-connected diabetes significantly increases glaucoma risk. Exposure to blast waves and concussive forces can cause traumatic glaucoma. Long-term use of corticosteroids for service-connected conditions like asthma or joint problems can elevate eye pressure. African American veterans, who are disproportionately represented in the military, have a significantly higher genetic risk for glaucoma.

The progression of glaucoma narrows the world a veteran sees. Peripheral vision shrinks, creating tunnel vision that makes driving dangerous, navigating crowds difficult, and detecting hazards nearly impossible. Eventually, central vision is affected, impairing reading, facial recognition, and independence. The emotional impact of progressive, irreversible vision loss is profound.

VA diagnostic codes for glaucoma

Glaucoma is rated under Diagnostic Codes (DC) 6012 and 6013 per 38 CFR § 4.79, Schedule of Ratings — Eye.

• DC 6012 — Angle-closure glaucoma
• DC 6013 — Open-angle glaucoma

Both types are rated using the same criteria: a minimum 10% rating for continuous medication, with higher ratings based on the degree of visual field loss and visual acuity impairment.

Rating criteria for glaucoma

The VA assigns glaucoma ratings based on two primary measurements, using whichever produces the higher rating:

Minimum 10% rating — $180.42/month

Criteria: Continuous medication required for control of intraocular pressure.

What this looks like: You have been diagnosed with glaucoma and use daily eye drops (such as timolol, latanoprost, or brimonidine) or other medications to control your eye pressure. Even if your vision is currently normal, the need for ongoing medication warrants a minimum 10% rating.

Ratings based on visual field loss (10%-100%)

Visual field loss is measured by Goldmann perimetry or equivalent automated testing. The VA calculates the remaining visual field using a formula based on the sum of remaining degrees across eight meridians for each eye (38 CFR 4.77), then uses rating tables to determine the percentage. The approximate ranges below are simplified for general reference:

• 10% ($180.42/month) — Bilateral concentric contraction of visual field with remaining field of 46 to 60 degrees
• 20% ($356.66/month) — Remaining field of 31 to 45 degrees bilaterally
• 30% ($552.47/month) — Remaining field of 16 to 30 degrees bilaterally
• 50% ($1,132.90/month) — Remaining field of 6 to 15 degrees bilaterally
• 70% ($1,808.45/month) — Remaining field of 5 degrees or less bilaterally
• 100% ($3,938.58/month) — Complete loss of visual field bilaterally (or near-complete)

Unilateral visual field loss is rated at lower percentages, and the VA combines the impairment from each eye using specific tables.

Ratings based on visual acuity loss (10%-100%)

If glaucoma reduces your central visual acuity, ratings are assigned based on corrected distance visual acuity in each eye using the VA rating tables:

• 10% — Example: 20/50 in one eye, 20/40 in the other
• 20% — Example: 20/70 in one eye, 20/50 in the other
• 30% — Example: 20/100 in one eye, 20/70 in the other
• 40% — Example: 20/200 in one eye, 20/70 in the other
• 50%-100% — Progressively worse acuity combinations, up to blindness

The VA uses whichever measurement — visual field loss or visual acuity loss — produces the higher rating. In many glaucoma cases, visual field loss produces the higher rating because peripheral vision loss typically precedes central acuity loss.

What evidence do you need?

Service records

• Service treatment records documenting eye exams, elevated intraocular pressure, or glaucoma diagnosis
• Records of eye injuries or head trauma during service
• Documentation of blast exposure or concussive events
• Records of steroid use for service-connected conditions
• Service connection documentation for diabetes (if claiming glaucoma as secondary)

Medical evidence

• Ophthalmologist diagnosis of glaucoma, including type (open-angle or angle-closure)
• Intraocular pressure measurements over time (tonometry)
• Visual field testing (Goldmann kinetic perimetry or Humphrey visual field) showing peripheral vision loss
• Visual acuity testing with best corrected results
• Optic nerve imaging (OCT, fundus photography, or HRT) showing nerve fiber layer thinning or optic disc damage
• Prescription records for glaucoma medications
• Records of any surgical procedures (trabeculectomy, tube shunt, laser treatment)
• Progression documentation showing worsening over time

Nexus letter

An ophthalmologist’s opinion connecting your glaucoma to military service. The letter should address the specific mechanism — eye trauma, steroid use, diabetes-related damage, or direct onset during service — and explain why your service is the likely cause.

Buddy statements

Statements from family, friends, or coworkers who have observed your vision loss in action — bumping into objects on your peripheral side, difficulty driving (especially at night), inability to see people approaching from the side, trouble navigating unfamiliar environments, and the impact on your independence and daily activities.

C&P exam tips for glaucoma

What the examiner evaluates

• Confirmation of glaucoma diagnosis and type
• Current intraocular pressure in each eye
• Visual field testing results (the most critical measurement for rating)
• Visual acuity with best correction
• Optic nerve assessment
• Current medications and surgical history
• Functional impact on daily living and employability
• Connection to service or service-connected conditions

How to prepare

1. Bring your eye records. Have copies of visual field tests, OCT scans, and visual acuity measurements from your ophthalmologist. Trends showing progression are especially valuable.
2. Know your medications. List every glaucoma medication you use, the dosage, and how long you have been on each one. Multiple medications suggest more severe disease.
3. Take the visual field test carefully. If a visual field test is performed at the C&P exam, take it seriously. Sit still, focus on the central point, and press the button every time you see a light flash. False positives or inconsistent results can undermine your claim.
4. Describe functional limitations. Explain how vision loss affects your daily life — difficulty driving, bumping into objects, trouble reading, inability to see people approaching from the side, and challenges with steps or curbs.
5. Report surgical history. If you have had laser treatments, trabeculectomy, or other glaucoma surgery, this demonstrates severity and supports your claim.
6. Mention all eye conditions. If you have other eye problems (dry eye, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy) in addition to glaucoma, report them. Each may contribute to your visual impairment rating.

Common secondary conditions linked to glaucoma

Glaucoma and its progressive vision loss are associated with several secondary conditions:

• Depression — Progressive, irreversible vision loss is strongly associated with depression. The loss of independence, driving ability, and capacity to enjoy visual activities takes a heavy psychological toll on veterans with advancing glaucoma.
• Anxiety — The knowledge that vision loss from glaucoma is permanent and may progress despite treatment creates significant anxiety. Fear of blindness and the uncertainty of disease progression are powerful anxiety triggers.
• Migraines — Eye strain from compensating for visual field loss, elevated intraocular pressure, and the neurological impact of optic nerve damage can trigger or worsen migraine headaches.
• Fall injuries — Loss of peripheral vision significantly increases fall risk, particularly on stairs, uneven terrain, and in unfamiliar environments. Resulting injuries may be service-connected as secondary to glaucoma.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. If glaucoma is combined with other conditions like diabetes, depression, or additional eye conditions, your overall combined rating reflects the full scope of your disabilities.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• Understand how VA math combines ratings (30% + 20% does not equal 50%)
• Estimate your monthly payment including dependents

For the full breakdown of payment amounts at every rating level, see our 2026 VA disability pay rates page.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.