Body system: EyeRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.79
Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue that extends from the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye) onto the cornea, often caused by long-term sun, wind, or dust exposure (common in many military environments). DC 6034 does not assign a single rating. Instead, the VA evaluates each applicable component separately and combines them under 38 CFR § 4.25. The components include: visual impairment from corneal involvement, rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye on either visual impairment or the Incapacitating Episodes ladder (10%-60% by treatment-visit count); disfigurement of the head, face, or neck under DC 7800 if visible; and conjunctivitis under DC 6018 if present. Final rating is the combined value of whichever components apply.
Rating levels
- -1% — DC 6034 covers pterygium (a non-cancerous tissue growth that extends from the conjunctiva onto the cornea). The VA does not assign a single rating under 6034. Instead, the VA evaluates each applicable component separately and combines them under 38 CFR § 4.25 (the combined ratings table). Components include: visual impairment from corneal involvement (rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye on either visual impairment or the Incapacitating Episodes ladder below, whichever yields the higher value), disfigurement of the head, face, or neck if visible (DC 7800), and conjunctivitis if present (DC 6018). Whichever components are documented in your case are each rated and combined.
- 60% — You qualify for 60% if your pterygium required 7 or more clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months (intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, or other surgical interventions including excision). This is the highest tier on the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Visual impairment may yield a higher rating in some cases. This rating is combined with any DC 7800 (disfigurement) and DC 6018 (conjunctivitis) ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.
- 40% — You qualify for 40% if your pterygium required at least 5 but fewer than 7 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path and is combined with any DC 7800 and DC 6018 ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% if your pterygium required at least 3 but fewer than 5 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path and is combined with any DC 7800 and DC 6018 ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.
- 10% — You qualify for 10% if your pterygium required at least 1 but fewer than 3 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path and is combined with any DC 7800 and DC 6018 ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.