Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic
Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 5000 in the Musculoskeletal Diseases category. Maximum rating: 100%.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Infection involves the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints, or with multiple localization or with long history of intractability and inability to function, anemia, amyloid liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms. |
| 60% | Frequent episodes of infection with showing many of the below symptoms. |
| 30% | New bone growth outside the infected bone or if there is a piece of dead bone that has broken off of the main skeleton. |
| 20% | Active infection within past 5 years. |
| 10% | Infection(s) have been inactive for no more than 5 years and there is a medical history of repeated episodes. |
Filing Tips
Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.
Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.
Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.
Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.
Review the rating criteria for DC 5000 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.
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