Pinguecula — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6037)

Diagnostic Code 6037 · 38 CFR §4.79

What Is It?

Diagnostic Code 6037 assigns no percentage of its own. The entry in 38 CFR 4.79 reads, in full, "Pinguecula: Evaluate based on disfigurement (diagnostic code 7800)." Disfigurement is the only basis the schedule names, so the evaluation is written under DC 7800 rather than under this code. DC 7800 covers burn scars, scars due to other causes, and other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck. It assigns 10 percent with one characteristic of disfigurement, 30 percent with two or three, 50 percent with four or five, and 80 percent with six or more; the 30, 50 and 80 percent levels can also be reached through visible or palpable tissue loss with gross distortion or asymmetry of one, two, or three or more facial features or paired sets of features. Note (1) to DC 7800 lists the eight characteristics, which are measured on scars and skin, for example a scar 5 or more inches long, a scar at least one-quarter inch wide at its widest part, or skin that is hypo- or hyper-pigmented in an area exceeding six square inches. Note (3) says to take unretouched color photographs into consideration. Where the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met, 38 CFR 4.31 provides for a zero percent evaluation. A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised growth on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye), usually near the cornea on the nasal side. Like pterygium, it is strongly associated with chronic UV exposure and dry, windy environments. Unlike pterygium, it does not grow onto the cornea. It can cause irritation, dryness, and cosmetic concerns, and it turns up in veterans who served in desert or maritime environments.

Rating Criteria

Evidence Needed

Ophthalmology records documenting the pinguecula, deployment records showing UV and environmental exposure during service, and unretouched color photographs of the eye, since Note (3) to DC 7800 says to take them into consideration when disfigurement is evaluated. Records of irritation or dry eye treatment belong in the file as well, though the schedule evaluates this code on disfigurement.

C&P Exam Tips

Ask the examiner to describe the size, color, and location of the pinguecula and to photograph it, since the evaluation is based on disfigurement. Describe your service in high-UV or dusty environments. If irritation or inflammation episodes occur, describe them and the treatment used.

How to File

File under DC 6037 with evidence of chronic environmental exposure during service (desert, maritime, tropical deployments) and current photographs. Expect the evaluation to be written under DC 7800, because the schedule evaluates pinguecula based on disfigurement. If symptoms point to a separate eye condition, such as chronic conjunctivitis (DC 6018), that condition is claimed and evaluated on its own criteria.

Common Mistakes

Many veterans do not file for pinguecula because they consider it minor, though a zero percent evaluation can still establish service connection. The main errors are not connecting it to deployment environmental exposure, not providing photographs, and expecting the irritation itself to set the percentage: the schedule evaluates this code based on disfigurement under DC 7800.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage does DC 6037 pay?

None by itself. 38 CFR 4.79 says "Evaluate based on disfigurement (diagnostic code 7800)." DC 7800 assigns from 10 percent for one characteristic of disfigurement up to 80 percent, so any percentage on the decision is written under that code.

Is pinguecula worth filing a VA claim for?

It can be. The schedule evaluates pinguecula based on disfigurement under DC 7800, so the percentage depends on whether the growth meets the criteria of DC 7800, such as its characteristics of disfigurement. Where it does not, 38 CFR 4.31 provides a zero percent evaluation, and a zero percent evaluation can still establish service connection.

Can a pinguecula turn into a pterygium?

While they are related conditions caused by similar exposures, a pinguecula does not directly transform into a pterygium. However, having a pinguecula does indicate the type of chronic UV exposure that also leads to pterygium development, and you may develop both.