Visual field defects — VA Diagnostic Code 6080

38 CFR § 4.77(b) says to determine the average concentric contraction of the visual field of each eye by measuring the remaining visual field (in degrees) at each of eight principal meridians 45 degrees apart, adding them, and dividing the sum by eight. 38 CFR § 4.76a prints Table III, normal visual field extent at 8 principal meridians, with a total of 500. Its example of computation, taken from Figure 1, states: remaining field 500° minus 320° = 180°. 180° ÷ 8 = 22 1/2° average concentric contraction. That example stops at the average. It does not assign a DC 6080 percentage. Paragraph (a) of § 4.77 says examiners must use either Goldmann kinetic perimetry or automated perimetry using Humphrey Model 750, Octopus Model 101, or later versions of these perimetric devices with simulated kinetic Goldmann testing capability. The examiner must document the results for at least 16 meridians 22 1/2 degrees apart for each eye.

38 CFR § 4.77(c) says that to determine the evaluation for visual impairment when both decreased visual acuity and visual field defect are present in one or both eyes and are service connected, separately evaluate the visual acuity and visual field defect (expressed as a level of visual acuity), and combine them under the provisions of § 4.25. 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.

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. Paragraph (a) of § 4.75 says the evaluation of visual impairment is based on impairment of visual acuity (excluding developmental errors of refraction), visual field, and muscle function. Paragraph (c) names the visual acuity of the other eye. It does not print a visual-field number for the other eye. 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 6080 does not print a 0 in any rating cell of its own. The central-acuity table earlier in § 4.79 prints 0 when vision in one eye is 20/40 (6/12) and vision in the other eye is 20/40 (6/12). That 0 is not a DC 6080 line.

DC 6081 is “Scotoma, unilateral:”. Its minimum is 10, with scotoma affecting at least one-quarter of the visual field (quadrantanopsia) or with centrally located scotoma of any size. The next cell says: “Alternatively, evaluate based on visual impairment due to scotoma, if that would result in a higher evaluation.” That “higher evaluation” sentence is on DC 6081. The DC 6080 lines say “Or evaluate.” Appendix B indexes 6081 as “Scotoma.” and 6080 as “Field vision, impairment.” DC 6090 is in the next table, “Ratings for Impairment of Muscle Function.”

The 2026-10-01 text of 38 CFR § 3.309 does not contain “visual field” or “hemianopsia.” It does not assign DC 6080.

Source: 38 CFR § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6080, 38 CFR § 4.77, and 38 CFR § 4.76a, eCFR full-text XML for 2026-10-01.