Pinguecula — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6037)
Diagnostic Code 6037 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
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. Many veterans who served in desert or maritime environments develop pingueculae.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Pinguecula causing chronic irritation, documented dry eye symptoms requiring ongoing treatment, or visual disturbance from inflammation. |
| 0% | Asymptomatic pinguecula with no irritation, no dry eye symptoms, and no visual impact. |
Evidence Needed
Ophthalmology records documenting the pinguecula, deployment records showing UV and environmental exposure during service, documentation of chronic irritation or dry eye treatment, and photographs if the growth is prominent.
C&P Exam Tips
If your pinguecula causes daily irritation or requires lubricating drops, make sure the examiner documents the frequency and severity of symptoms. Describe your service in high-UV or dusty environments. If inflammation episodes occur, document their frequency.
How to File
File under DC 6037 with evidence of chronic environmental exposure during service (desert, maritime, tropical deployments). If the pinguecula causes dry eye symptoms requiring treatment, document this thoroughly as it supports a compensable rating.
Common Mistakes
Many veterans do not file for pinguecula because they consider it minor. If it causes chronic irritation requiring daily eye drops, it can receive a compensable rating. Not connecting it to deployment environmental exposure and not documenting ongoing symptoms are the main errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pinguecula worth filing a VA claim for?
If your pinguecula causes chronic symptoms requiring treatment, yes. While many pingueculae are asymptomatic, those causing daily irritation, redness, or dry eye in veterans with clear environmental exposure during service can receive a compensable rating.
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.