Pterygium

RMA Definition

"Pterygium" means a wing-like abnormal triangular fold of membrane in the interpalpebral fissure, extending from the conjunctiva to the cornea, being immovably united to the cornea at its apex, firmly attached to the sclera throughout its middle portion, and merged with the conjunctiva at its base.

Establishing the presence of a pterygium

This growth of vascular tissue over the eye progresses over the edge of the cornea, and extends towards the centre of the eye.  Vision is impaired when the pterygium encroaches upon the pupil, and serious visual loss may result unless the condition is treated surgically.  Chronic inflammation and irritation may also occur.

If present, a pterygium would be noted by the specialist who was managing the person's visual disorder (ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician).  If a person had a pterygium in the past, its surgical removal would have been recorded in doctors' notes and/or hospital records.  However, if these records have been destroyed or can no longer be obtained and there is a reliable history of appropriate medical treatment at a particular time, this generally will be accepted, unless there is contradictory evidence.  Seek medical advice if it is unclear whether the claimed symptoms and treatment at that time can be attributed to a pterygium rather than to some other condition.

Diagram of the eye

LAST REVIEWED FOR CCPS 20 AUGUST 2008.

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS [26307]

23207 there is some evidence that a pterygium may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

26401 the veteran has had a pterygium at some time.

24699 the veteran has had a pterygium of side and site of the body at some time.

15488  the veteran has established the causal connection between the pterygium and VEA service for astigmatism.

15495 the veteran had a pterygium of side and site of the body at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

15489   the veteran has established the causal connection between the pterygium and VEA service for the clinical onset of astigmatism.

15491  the veteran has established the causal connection between the pterygium and operational service for the clinical onset of astigmatism.

or

15492  the veteran has established the causal connection between the pterygium and eligible service for the clinical onset of astigmatism.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

15496 the veteran had a pterygium of side and site of the body at the time of the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

15490   the veteran has established the causal connection between the pterygium and VEA service for the clinical worsening of astigmatism.

15493  the veteran has established the causal connection between the pterygium and operational service for the clinical worsening of astigmatism.

or

15494  the veteran has established the causal connection between the pterygium and eligible service for the clinical worsening of astigmatism.

CLINICAL ONSET AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [15491]

15497  the pterygium of side and site of the body is causally related to operational service.

CLINICAL ONSET AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [15492]

15498  the pterygium of side and site of the body is causally related to eligible service.

CLINICAL WORSENING AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [15493]

15497  the pterygium of side and site of the body is causally related to operational service.

24440 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the pterygium of side and site of the body is causally related.

CLINICAL WORSENING AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [15494]

15498  the pterygium of side and site of the body is causally related to eligible service.

24441 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the pterygium of side and site of the body is causally related.