---
title: "DC 6011 - Retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities:"
diagnostic_code: "6011"
body_system: "Organs of Special Sense (Eye)"
cfr_section: "§ 4.79"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/eye/6011-retinal-scars-atrophy-or-irregularities"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.79"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:15:44.116598Z"
---

# DC 6011 - Retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities:

Rated under § 4.79. Body system: Organs of Special Sense (Eye).

Alternatively, evaluate based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, if this would result in a higher evaluation

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | Localized scars, atrophy, or irregularities of the retina, unilateral or bilateral, that are centrally located and that result in an irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image |

# Retinal Scars, Atrophy, or Irregularities (VA Diagnostic Code 6011)

## Understanding This Eye Condition

Retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities affect the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The VA evaluates this condition under **Diagnostic Code 6011**, part of **§ 4.79**, which covers the **Organs of Special Sense (Eye)**.

When the retina has localized scarring, atrophy (thinning or wasting of tissue), or other irregularities, it can distort how images are perceived. This may cause the visual image to appear irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished.

## Available Rating Level

The VA rates this condition using the following criterion:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **10%** | Localized scars, atrophy, or irregularities of the retina — unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes) — that are **centrally located** and that result in an **irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image**. |

## An Alternative Rating Path

In some cases, the VA may evaluate this condition under the **General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye** instead. This alternative is used **if it would result in a higher evaluation** than the rating under Diagnostic Code 6011.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities, the VA considers:

- Whether the scars, atrophy, or irregularities are **localized**.
- Whether the condition affects **one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral)**.
- Whether the affected area is **centrally located** in the retina.
- Whether the condition results in an **irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image**.
- Whether evaluating under the **General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye** would produce a higher evaluation.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6011. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any specific rating outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.79