Body system: EyeRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.79
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that makes vision blurry or dim. The VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye (38 CFR § 4.79) for both preoperative cataracts and postoperative cases where a replacement lens (pseudophakia) has been implanted. The Incapacitating Episodes ladder rates 10% (1-2 treatment visits in the past 12 months) up to 60% (7 or more visits). Visual impairment under the acuity, field, and muscle-function codes can yield a higher rating, in which case the higher value applies. If the cataract was surgically removed and no replacement lens was implanted, the condition is rated under DC 6029 (aphakia) instead of DC 6027.
Rating levels
- -1% — DC 6027 covers cataract at any stage. Path 1: PREOPERATIVE (cataract still in the eye, not yet operated on), rate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye on either visual impairment or the Incapacitating Episodes ladder below, whichever yields the higher rating. Path 2: POSTOPERATIVE WITH PSEUDOPHAKIA (cataract removed and an artificial replacement lens implanted), same dual-method rule, rate under the General Eye Formula on visual impairment or Incapacitating Episodes, whichever is higher. Path 3: POSTOPERATIVE WITHOUT REPLACEMENT LENS, do NOT use DC 6027, the condition is rated under DC 6029 (aphakia, the surgical removal of the lens without replacement) instead.
- 60% — You qualify for 60% if your cataract (preoperative) or pseudophakia (postoperative with replacement lens) required 7 or more clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. Treatment can include intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, or other surgical interventions. This is the highest tier on the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye (38 CFR § 4.79). Visual impairment may yield a higher rating in some cases, in which case the higher value applies.
- 40% — You qualify for 40% if your cataract or pseudophakia required at least 5 but fewer than 7 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Eye Formula when it yields a higher evaluation than the visual impairment path.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% if your cataract or pseudophakia required at least 3 but fewer than 5 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Eye Formula when it yields a higher evaluation than the visual impairment path.
- 10% — You qualify for 10% if your cataract or pseudophakia required at least 1 but fewer than 3 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Eye Formula when it yields a higher evaluation than the visual impairment path.