Retinal dystrophy — VA Diagnostic Code 6042

38 CFR § 4.75(b) requires examination by a licensed optometrist or a licensed ophthalmologist for visual impairment, and it says the examiner must identify the disease, injury, or other pathologic process responsible for any visual impairment found. Examinations of visual fields or muscle function will be conducted only when there is a medical indication of disease or injury that may be associated with visual field defect or impaired muscle function. Unless medically contraindicated, the fundus must be examined with the claimant's pupils dilated. Paragraph (c) says that, subject to 38 CFR 3.383(a), if visual impairment of only one eye is service-connected, the visual acuity of the other eye will be considered to be 20/40 for purposes of evaluating the service-connected visual impairment. Paragraph (d) says the evaluation for visual impairment of one eye must not exceed 30 percent unless there is anatomical loss of the eye. Paragraph (f) says that when evaluating visual impairment, refer to 38 CFR 3.350 to determine whether the claimant may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Paragraph (f) does not state a payment amount. 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher rating when the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned. 38 CFR § 4.6 requires each element affecting the evidence to be studied so that decisions will be equitable and just. 38 CFR § 4.31 says that in every instance where the schedule does not provide a zero percent evaluation for a diagnostic code, a zero percent evaluation shall be assigned when the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met. DC 6042 does not print a 0 percent line of its own. 38 CFR § 4.14 says the evaluation of the same disability under various diagnoses is to be avoided, and that the evaluation of the same manifestation under different diagnoses is to be avoided.

DC 6006 is “Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified” and does not end that title with a period. It does not name retinitis pigmentosa. DC 6040 is “Diabetic retinopathy.” DC 6046 is “Post-chiasmal disorders” and also has an empty rating cell. That title does not end with a period, and it does not use the DC 6042 parentheses. DC 6011 prints 10 percent for localized retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities that are centrally located and that result in an irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image. DC 6042 does not print that 10 percent line.

This page does not reprint diagnostic codes 6061-6091. Note (3) refers to them for visual impairment. The 2026-10-01 text of 38 CFR § 3.309 does not contain “retinitis pigmentosa,” “macular,” or “dystrophy.” It does not assign DC 6042.

Source: 38 CFR § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6042 and the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, eCFR full-text XML for 2026-10-01.