Pterygium — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6034)
Diagnostic Code 6034 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
Pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth of fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. It is strongly associated with chronic UV exposure and dry, dusty environments, making it common among veterans who served in desert or tropical deployments. A pterygium can cause irritation, redness, and if it grows over the central cornea, can distort or block vision.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Pterygium causing visual impairment by encroaching on the visual axis, or rated based on the resulting visual acuity or dry eye symptoms. |
| 0% | Small, stable pterygium not affecting the visual axis and causing only mild cosmetic change or occasional irritation. |
Evidence Needed
Ophthalmology examination documenting the pterygium location and size, photographs showing corneal involvement, visual acuity measurements if the visual axis is affected, service records showing deployment to high-UV environments (desert, tropical), and documentation of outdoor duties during service.
C&P Exam Tips
Ask the examiner to document the exact size and location of the pterygium and whether it crosses the visual axis. If it causes dry eye symptoms or astigmatism, ensure these are noted. Describe your service in hot, sunny, or dusty environments and any prolonged outdoor exposure.
How to File
File under DC 6034 with documentation of chronic UV and environmental exposure during service. Deployment records showing time in desert or tropical environments strongly support the claim. If the pterygium affects visual acuity, the VA may rate based on the resulting vision loss instead if that produces a higher rating.
Common Mistakes
Not connecting the pterygium to environmental exposure during service is the most common error. Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other desert environments have strong cases but often fail to document the UV exposure. Not requesting a visual acuity evaluation if the growth crosses the visual axis is another mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pterygium common in veterans?
Yes. Veterans who served in desert, tropical, or maritime environments with chronic sun and dust exposure have elevated rates of pterygium. It is one of the more straightforward service-connection claims for eye conditions when deployment records support UV exposure.
Can pterygium come back after surgery?
Yes. Recurrence rates after surgical removal range from 5 to 40 percent depending on the technique used. A recurrence supports a claim for ongoing disability and may indicate the need for continued medical care.