Diagnostic Code 6034 · 38 CFR §4.79
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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
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.
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.
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.