VA Disability Rating for Infected Bones
Diagnostic Code 5001 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
DC 5001 covers bone infections that do not fit neatly into the osteomyelitis category under DC 5000. This includes infections caused by unusual organisms, fungal bone infections, or bone infections with atypical presentations. The rating criteria and structure closely mirror osteomyelitis ratings because the functional impact on the veteran is similar regardless of the specific type of infection. Veterans may develop these infections from wounds contaminated during overseas deployments, surgical procedures, or exposure to unusual pathogens in tropical or combat environments.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active bone infection requiring continuous treatment with ongoing drainage |
| 60% | Frequent episodes with drainage, pain, and systemic symptoms requiring repeated courses of treatment |
| 30% | Chronic infection with periodic episodes requiring treatment multiple times per year |
| 20% | Chronic infection with occasional flare-ups and intermittent drainage |
| 10% | Inactive infection with history of active disease confirmed by imaging |
| 0% | Resolved infection with no current symptoms |
Evidence Needed
- Medical records identifying the specific bone infection and its causative organism
- Bone biopsy or culture results if available
- Imaging showing bone involvement and any structural damage
- Treatment records including medications and surgical interventions
- Documentation connecting the infection to military service or deployment environment
C&P Exam Tips
- Describe the specific type of infection and how you believe you contracted it
- Report all episodes of recurrence with dates and treatments
- Show any surgical scars or external signs of the infection
- Explain how the condition limits your physical activities
- Mention any medications with significant side effects that you take for the infection
How to File
File under DC 5001 for infected bones. This code is used when the bone infection does not fit the standard osteomyelitis classification. Include culture results and pathology reports identifying the organism. Document the treatment history and any recurring episodes.
Common Mistakes
Filing under the wrong diagnostic code when osteomyelitis DC 5000 would be more appropriate Not identifying the specific organism causing the infection Failing to document the connection between deployment location and the unusual infection Not tracking recurring episodes and their impact on functioning
Frequently Asked Questions
How is DC 5001 different from DC 5000?
DC 5000 covers standard osteomyelitis, while DC 5001 covers other bone infections that may have different causative organisms or presentations. The rating criteria are very similar. Your provider and the VA rater will determine which code best fits your specific condition.
Can exotic infections from deployment qualify?
Yes, bone infections caused by organisms encountered during overseas deployments are service-connectable. Document where you served and provide culture results identifying the organism. Tropical fungal infections and atypical bacterial bone infections from contaminated wounds are recognized causes.