VA Disability Rating for Tuberculosis of Bones and Joints (DC 5001)
Diagnostic Code 5001 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
Diagnostic code 5001 is not a general code for infected bones. 38 CFR 4.71a lists it as "Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive," and it prints exactly one figure: 100 percent while the disease is active. For inactive disease it prints no percentage and directs: "See §§ 4.88c and 4.89." Most other bone infections are osteomyelitis, which has its own code, DC 5000. The two sections it points to divide veterans by date. Section 4.88c covers veterans initially entitled after August 19, 1968: 100 percent continues for 1 year after the date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, and after that the residuals are rated under the specific body system or systems affected — ankylosis, surgical removal of a part, and so on — with the residual's code preceded by the tuberculosis code. The schedule's own example is tuberculosis of the hip joint with residual ankylosis, coded 5001-5250. Section 4.89 keeps the former graduated ratings for the protected group: veterans who, on August 19, 1968, were receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis reaches the skeleton through the bloodstream, most often from the lungs. The spine is the classic site (Pott's disease), followed by the large weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee. It progresses slowly, can destroy bone and cartilage, and often leaves permanent residuals — fusion, deformity, or nerve involvement where the spine is affected — long after the infection itself is inactive.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active tuberculosis of bones and joints. This is the only percentage DC 5001 prints. For inactive disease the code prints no figure and directs: "See §§ 4.88c and 4.89." Under § 4.88c (veterans initially entitled after August 19, 1968), 100 percent continues for 1 year after the date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis; residuals are then rated under the specific body system affected, coded with the tuberculosis code first — tuberculosis of the hip joint with residual ankylosis is coded 5001-5250. § 4.89 retains the former graduated ratings for veterans who were receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis on August 19, 1968. |
Evidence Needed
- Medical records establishing tuberculosis of the bone or joint — culture, biopsy, or other testing identifying the tuberculous organism
- Imaging showing bone and joint involvement and any structural damage
- Treatment records showing the course of antituberculous therapy and the date the disease was found inactive, since the § 4.88c one-year period runs from the date of inactivity
- Documentation of every residual — ankylosis, limitation of motion, surgical removal of a part, spinal deformity, nerve involvement — because after that period the residuals are what is rated
- Documentation connecting the tuberculosis to military service
C&P Exam Tips
- Confirm with the examiner whether the tuberculosis is currently active or inactive, and when inactivity was established
- Report all treatment courses with dates
- Show any surgical scars or external signs of the infection
- Have range of motion measured in every affected joint, and in the spine if it was involved, since residuals are rated under the codes for the affected part
- Mention any medications with significant side effects that you take for the infection
How to File
File for tuberculosis of the bone or joint under DC 5001. Include the records that established the diagnosis and the records showing when the disease became inactive. While the disease is active, DC 5001 assigns 100 percent. Once it is inactive, DC 5001 itself assigns nothing and sends the evaluation to 38 CFR 4.88c or 4.89: under § 4.88c the 100 percent continues for 1 year after the date of inactivity, and the residuals are then rated under the codes for the body part affected, written with 5001 first (for example 5001-5250 for a hip left ankylosed). Claim each residual by name so it is examined and rated. If you were receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis on August 19, 1968, say so — § 4.89 preserves the former graduated ratings for that group.
Common Mistakes
Treating DC 5001 as a catch-all code for bone infections. It is tuberculosis of bones and joints; other bone infections are generally osteomyelitis under DC 5000. Not documenting the date the disease became inactive, which is the date the § 4.88c one-year period runs from. Not claiming the residuals — ankylosis, limited motion, surgical removal of a part, spinal deformity — which are what is rated once the disease is inactive and the year has run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is DC 5001 different from DC 5000?
DC 5000 is osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic, and prints five evaluations from 10 to 100 percent. DC 5001 is tuberculosis of bones and joints, active or inactive. It prints a single figure — 100 percent while active — and for inactive disease it prints no percentage and refers VA to 38 CFR 4.88c and 4.89.
What happens when the tuberculosis becomes inactive?
For a veteran initially entitled after August 19, 1968, 38 CFR 4.88c continues the 100 percent rating for 1 year after the date of inactivity. After that, the residuals are rated under the specific body system or systems affected. Veterans who were receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis on August 19, 1968 are rated under § 4.89, which keeps the former graduated ratings.
How are the residuals coded?
Under the code for the residual, preceded by the tuberculosis code. The schedule's example is tuberculosis of the hip joint with residual ankylosis, coded 5001-5250. The residual's own code supplies the percentage.