Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis (DC 5013) involves loss of bone density, making bones fragile and more prone to fractures. Under the VA rating schedule, osteoporosis is technically listed under the degenerative arthritis schedule but is actually rated solely on how it affects range of motion of the applicable joints or spine. The VA does not give separate arthritis-style major/minor joint group ratings for osteoporosis.
VA Rating Levels
Minimum compensable rating. Pain with motion of the affected joint or spine, or vertebral body fracture with 50% or more loss of height.
Moderate ROM limitation of the affected joints or spine. For example, thoracolumbar forward flexion more than 30 degrees but no more than 60 degrees.
More severe ROM limitation. The actual rating depends on which joints or spine segments are affected and the degree of limitation per the applicable schedule.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Osteoporosis is rated on how it impacts ROM, NOT under the arthritis major/minor joint group framework.
- →This is a presumptive condition for former POWs held for at least 30 days, with no minimum severity timing requirement. If held for less than 30 days, the veteran must also have a PTSD diagnosis.
- →If osteoporosis causes vertebral fractures, a 10% rating may be available for vertebral body fracture with 50% or more loss of height.
- →Osteoporosis can be secondary to long-term steroid use for other service-connected conditions.
- →Pain with motion warrants at least a minimum compensable rating under the applicable ROM schedule.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5013