Open-angle glaucoma VA Rating
How VA rates Open-angle glaucoma under diagnostic code 6013, what evidence decides the percentage, and the reasons these claims get denied or under-rated.
Open-angle glaucoma is rated under diagnostic code 6013. In the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities it appears as Open-angle glaucoma, within the Organs of Special Sense section of 38 CFR Part 4.
The essentials
| Diagnostic code | 6013 |
|---|---|
| Rating schedule name | Open-angle glaucoma |
| Body system | Organs of Special Sense |
| Examination form | OPHTH Eye conditions |
Other names for this condition
VA and treating providers may use different terms for the same condition. If your records use any of these, they may still support a claim for Open-angle glaucoma:
- Noncongestive glaucoma
- intraocular hypertension
- wide angle glaucoma
- dry eye syndrome
What evidence decides the rating
For organs of special sense conditions, these are the findings VA weighs when assigning a percentage. If your examination did not address them, the examination may be inadequate for rating purposes — which is itself an argument on appeal.
- Corrected and uncorrected central visual acuity
- Visual field testing where field loss is claimed
- Whether there is incapacitating episode activity requiring treatment
Why these claims get denied or under-rated
These are the failure patterns we see most often on open-angle glaucoma and related organs of special sense claims:
- Visual field testing was not performed despite field loss being claimed
- The rating used corrected acuity where the criteria called for a different measure
If your claim was denied or under-rated
A denial is not the end of the claim. Which route is right depends on why VA decided the way it did:
- Higher-Level Review — when the evidence already in the file supports a grant and VA got the decision wrong, or the examination was inadequate.
- Supplemental Claim — when you have new and relevant evidence, such as a private nexus opinion.
- Board Appeal — when you need a Veterans Law Judge to decide, or want a hearing.
- Clear and Unmistakable Error — when a decision more than a year old contains an undebatable error, which can recover retroactive pay.
Effective dates matter as much as the percentage. See effective dates and back pay for how far back an award can reach.
Sources
Related conditions
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This page is educational information, not legal advice. VA rules and deadlines change — always confirm details with the official source (38 CFR, M21-1) or your accredited claims agent. Borne Accredited Claims is an accredited VA claims agent under 38 CFR §14.629 and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Veterans Affairs. We do not guarantee any specific outcome.