Osteomyelitis (acute, subacute, or chronic)
38 CFR § 4.71a — Musculoskeletal system
Schedule listing: osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic.
Diagnostic code
5000
DC 5000 covers bone infection. Ratings follow the criteria and notes assigned to this code in 38 CFR § 4.71a, including how the schedule addresses active disease, inactive phases, and lasting orthopedic or functional effects.
Evidence usually includes imaging, surgical or biopsy records, culture data when available, and treatment history. The percentage depends on how your findings match the regulatory descriptions—not on the diagnosis label alone.
This page is an orientation only. Your decision and any increase or secondary issues should be reviewed with a VA-accredited VSO or qualified representative using your full file.
Official VA rating criteria — osteomyelitis (DC 5000)
Chronic osteomyelitis is rated on drainage episodes, nonunion, bone loss, need for surgery, and limb impairment.
| Rating | VA criteria (themes) | Key evidence at this level |
|---|---|---|
| 60–100% | Active osteomyelitis with systemic illness, frequent surgery, or threatened limb loss as in schedule. | Wound cultures, operative débridements, hospitalizations. |
| 30–50% | Chronic draining sinus or recurrent flare-ups with significant functional loss. | Longitudinal orthopedics, imaging of sequestra. |
| 10–20% | Residual pain or motion limitation after control of infection. | ROM, pain management records. |
| 0% | Resolved infection without residual. | Clear bone on imaging; asymptomatic exam. |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.71a — DC 5000.
Service connection — common paths
Direct service connection
Direct service connection when infection and bone involvement relate to in-service injury, surgery, or disease.
Secondary service connection
When another SC condition (e.g. hardware, wound healing) is medically shown to have caused or worsened the infection.
Secondary conditions sometimes pursued with Osteomyelitis (acute, subacute, or chronic)
Chronic osteomyelitis may lead to pain, limb length inequality, nonunion, amputation residuals, and mental health effects—each separately evaluated when supported.
Rating under appropriate MS or amputation codes.
When mental health diagnosis and severity are documented.
“Strong” / “Moderate” / “Developing” reflect how often these theories appear in educational materials—not a prediction of approval. Use accredited help for your specific file.
Already service-connected for something else?
Osteomyelitis may follow an in-service open fracture or surgery; secondary to other SC conditions requires medical evidence of causation.
Common path for post-traumatic osteomyelitis.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 5000 — Osteomyelitis (acute, subacute, or chronic) — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.71a in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Use 38 CFR § 4.71a and locate DC 5000 for the full rating table and notes.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (5000) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “5000”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 5000 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 5000 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Discuss how your evidence fits DC 5000 with a VA-accredited representative. Quick search: DC code lookup.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.