Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic
The VA rates Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic under Diagnostic Code 5000 across 5 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 5000 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 20%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Inactive, following repeated episodes, without evidence of active infection in past 5 years |
| 20% | With discharging sinus or other evidence of active infection within the past 5 years |
| 30% | With definite involucrum or sequestrum, with or without discharging sinus |
| 60% | Frequent episodes, with constitutional symptoms |
| 100% | Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints, or with multiple localization or with long history of intractability and debility, anemia, amyloid liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms |
“With definite involucrum or sequestrum, with or without discharging sinus”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic 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.
- 5001Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactiveRated up to 100%
- 5002Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active processRated up to 100%
- 5003Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumaticRated up to 20%
- 5009Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)Rated up to 0%
- 5010Arthritis due to Trauma (Traumatic Arthritis)Rated up to 20%
- 5012Bones, neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondaryRated up to 100%
- 5025Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)Rated up to 40%
- 5051Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5052Elbow replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5053Wrist replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
What to do with a Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- TDIU: 100 Percent VA Pay Without a 100 Percent RatingTDIU pays the 100% VA compensation rate without a 100% rating. See the percentage paths, the extraschedular route under 38 CFR 4.16(b), and how work affects it.
- P&T vs 100% VA Disability: What Is the Difference?Permanent and total (P&T) and a 100 percent VA rating are not the same thing. Here is what total, permanent, and protected each mean, and what P&T unlocks.
Common Questions About Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic?
The VA rates Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic under Diagnostic Code 5000 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Inactive, following repeated episodes, without evidence of active infection in past 5 years. The maximum 100% rating requires: Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints, or with multiple localization or with long history of intractability and debility, anemia, amyloid liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic?
The VA rates Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5000, published in 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 10% and a 100% rating for Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic?
A 10% rating requires: Inactive, following repeated episodes, without evidence of active infection in past 5 years. A 100% rating requires: Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints, or with multiple localization or with long history of intractability and debility, anemia, amyloid liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic?
The key evidence for Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic 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 Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5000 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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