Tailbone removal
The VA rates Tailbone removal under Diagnostic Code 5298 across 2 severity levels, from 0% to 10%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Coccyx, removal of.
Rating schedule — DC 5298 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 10%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Tailbone removal?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Without painful residuals |
| 10% | Partial or complete, with painful residuals |
“Partial or complete, with painful residuals”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Tailbone removal in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5277Weak foot, bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5278Claw foot (pes cavus), acquiredRated up to 50%
- 5279Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5280Hallux valgus, unilateralRated up to 10%
- 5281Hallux rigidus, unilateral, severeRated up to 0%
- 5282Hammer toeRated up to 10%
- 5283Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion ofRated up to 30%
- 5284Foot injuries, otherRated up to 30%
- 5296Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tablesRated up to 80%
- 5297Ribs, removal ofRated up to 50%
Common Questions About Tailbone removal VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Tailbone removal?
The VA rates Tailbone removal under Diagnostic Code 5298 at 0%, 10%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Without painful residuals. The maximum 10% rating requires: Partial or complete, with painful residuals.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Tailbone removal?
The VA rates Tailbone removal under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5298, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 10% rating for Tailbone removal?
A 0% rating requires: Without painful residuals. A 10% rating requires: Partial or complete, with painful residuals. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Tailbone removal qualify for TDIU?
Tailbone removal maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Tailbone removal?
The key evidence for Tailbone removal is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Tailbone removal?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5298 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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