VA Disability Rating for Bone Disease Not Otherwise Specified
Diagnostic Code 5009 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
DC 5009 is a catch-all diagnostic code for bone diseases that do not have their own specific listing in the VA rating schedule. This includes uncommon bone conditions, rare metabolic bone disorders, and bone diseases caused by unusual exposures or circumstances. Because this code covers a wide variety of conditions, ratings are typically assigned by analogy to the most closely related listed condition. Veterans may develop qualifying bone diseases from environmental exposures during deployment, unusual infections, or rare conditions that manifested during or shortly after service.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways | DC 5009 carries no percentage column. The schedule lists it as "Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)," with Note (1) explaining that these include, but are not limited to, Charcot neuropathic, hypertrophic, crystalline, and other autoimmune arthropathies. Note (2) supplies the pathway: with the types of arthritis at diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009, rate the acute phase under diagnostic code 5002 and rate any chronic residuals under diagnostic code 5003. DC 5002 (multi-joint arthritis, 2 or more joints, as an active process) runs 20, 40, 60 and 100 percent on constitutional manifestations, weight loss and anemia, and the frequency of incapacitating exacerbations; its Note (3) provides that ratings for the active process are not combined with the residual ratings for limitation of motion, ankylosis, or DC 5003. DC 5003 evaluates chronic residuals on limitation of motion of the specific joints involved, with 10 percent for each major joint or group of minor joints where that limitation is noncompensable. |
Evidence Needed
- Medical records with a clear diagnosis of the specific bone disease
- Imaging studies showing bone involvement and structural changes
- Specialist evaluation from an orthopedist or rheumatologist
- Documentation of how the condition connects to military service
- Functional assessment showing the impact on daily activities and work
C&P Exam Tips
- Bring documentation clearly naming your specific bone condition
- Show all imaging that demonstrates bone changes
- Describe how the condition affects your mobility and daily functioning
- Explain any connection to service, including environmental exposures
- Ask the examiner to specify which analogous diagnostic code they believe applies
How to File
File under DC 5009 for bone diseases not otherwise specified. Because this is an analogous rating code, clearly describe your specific condition and how it affects your functioning. The VA will rate your condition by comparing it to the most similar listed bone disease. A specialist opinion explaining the nature and severity of your condition is particularly helpful.
Common Mistakes
Not providing a clear medical diagnosis of the specific bone condition Failing to explain the functional impact since the VA cannot rate by diagnosis alone Not checking if a more specific diagnostic code exists for your condition Missing environmental or occupational exposures during service that caused the condition
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'not otherwise specified' mean?
It means your bone condition does not have its own specific diagnostic code in the VA rating schedule. The VA uses this code to rate conditions by analogy, comparing your condition to the most similar listed bone disease and applying those rating criteria.
Should I try to get a more specific diagnostic code?
If your condition matches a specific listed code, that code will generally provide a clearer path to an accurate rating. However, if no specific code fits, DC 5009 ensures your condition can still be rated. Work with your provider to identify the most accurate diagnosis.