ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for legal blindness
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Blindness (acquired) (congenital) (both eyes) › legal (both eyes) (USA definition)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding legal blindness
The ICD-10-CM code for legal blindness is H54.8 (Legal blindness, as defined in USA).
Within H54 (blindness and low vision), H54.8 is specifically for legal blindness, as defined in USA. Related codes cover blindness, both eyes (H54.0), blindness, one eye, low vision other eye (H54.1), low vision, both eyes (H54.2), unqualified visual loss, both eyes (H54.3), blindness, one eye (H54.4), low vision, one eye (H54.5), unqualified visual loss, one eye (H54.6) and unspecified visual loss (H54.7).
Don't report H54.8 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: legal blindness with specification of impairment level (H54.0-H54.7).
Code first: any associated underlying cause of the blindness.
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for H54.8)
Common questions about legal blindness ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for legal blindness?
- H54.8 — Legal blindness, as defined in USA.
Is H54.8 billable?
- Yes. H54.8 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can H54.8 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict H54.8 as a principal diagnosis.
Is H54.8 a CC or MCC?
- No. H54.8 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.