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Bone spurs might sound minor, but for many veterans, they’re a painful reminder of years of physical strain in service. These bony growths can limit mobility, cause chronic pain, and make everyday activities a challenge.
Understanding the bone spurs VA rating criteria is key to ensuring you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve.
This post will cover how the VA rates bone spurs, how to prove service connection, and the fastest way to file a VA claim.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The VA doesn’t have a specific diagnostic code for bone spurs, so they are rated under analogous conditions, such as arthritis, metatarsalgia, or back pain.
- To qualify for a bone spurs VA rating, you need a current diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event or injury, and a medical nexus linking the two.
- You can file for a bone spurs VA disability rating by submitting VA Form 21-526EZ online, by mail, fax, or in person.
What are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that develop along the edges of bones, often in the joints or spine.
For many veterans, years of physical training, heavy gear, repetitive movements, and service-related injuries can create the wear and tear that leads to bone spur formation.
While some bone spurs cause no symptoms, others can result in chronic pain, stiffness, nerve irritation, and reduced mobility, making it harder to work, exercise, or perform daily activities after service.
Do Bone Spurs Qualify for Disability?
Yes, bone spurs may qualify for VA disability if they cause pain, limit your mobility, or interfere with daily activities, if they meet the criteria for the analogous condition, and if they’re linked to your military service.
The VA doesn’t assign ratings just for the presence of bone spurs, but rather for the functional loss they create.
That means your bone spur VA disability rating depends on how the condition affects movement, strength, and overall function, whether in your feet, spine, shoulders, or other joints.
How the VA Rates Bone Spurs
The VA doesn’t have a specific diagnostic code (DC) for bone spurs, so they rate them under analogous conditions.
Commonly rated conditions for bone spurs include, but are not limited to:
- Metatarsalgia
- Arthritis
- Back pain
Keep in mind that these are just examples, and you may be rated under a different condition depending on your specific situation.
Metatarsalgia (Morton’s Disease)
Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often from overuse, injury, or ill-fitting footwear.
In response, the body may try to “protect” the area by building up extra bone, which can lead to the formation of bone spurs.
Metatarsalgia is common among veterans due to the physical demands of service, including long marches, running, and carrying heavy gear.
The VA rates metatarsalgia under DC 5279 with a single rating of 10%, regardless of whether it affects one or both feet, considering that the symptoms should not overlap and separate evaluations may be assigned.
Arthritis
Bone spurs often develop alongside arthritis, as the body tries to protect damaged joints by forming extra bone growth.
If your bone spurs are associated with arthritis, the VA may rate you under DC 5003 (Degenerative Arthritis) or DC 5010 (Post-Traumatic Arthritis), depending on the underlying cause.
Ratings are generally based on limitation of motion, dislocation, or other specified instability in the affected joint, confirmed by X-ray evidence.
Even if your range of motion isn’t severely limited, painful motion from arthritis can still qualify for a minimum 10% rating, given that certain criteria has been met.
Back Pain
Bone spurs in the spine can lead to chronic back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
They may also press on nearby nerves, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
The VA rates these symptoms under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with ratings ranging from 10% to 100%.
Bilateral VA Rating for Bone Spurs
When bone spurs affect both sides of the body, like both feet, ankles, or knees, the VA may assign a bilateral rating.
This takes into account the impact on both limbs, rather than just one. Typically, the VA increases the combined disability rating slightly to reflect the added difficulty of having the condition on both sides.
Related Post: VA Rating for Bilateral Heel Spurs
Proving Service Connection
To qualify for a bone spurs VA rating, you’ll need:
- A current diagnosis of bone spurs
- An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness
- A medical nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness
Pro Tip: A strong nexus letter from a qualified medical professional can be crucial in proving that your bone spurs are service-connected, especially if they developed years after your service.
See More: Sample Nexus Letter for VA Disability Claims
How to File for a Bone Spur VA Disability Rating
If you believe your bone spurs are connected to your military service, you’ll need to file a VA disability claim to receive a bone spur VA rating.
The VA offers several ways to submit your application:
- By Mail
- Via Fax
- In person at a VA regional office
If you choose a method other than online, you’ll need to download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ.
Pro Tip: Submitting your claim online is the fastest and most efficient option, and it allows you to upload medical evidence.
TDIU Eligibility
If your bone spurs make it impossible to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment (and you meet the specific criteria listed below), you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
The good news? TDIU pays you at the 100% disability rate, even if your VA rating isn’t 100%.
To qualify for TDIU, one of these must be true:
- You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or
- You have 2 or more service-connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
Related Post: VA TDIU Approval Rate
Conclusion
Bone spurs can be more than a nuisance; they can seriously impact your mobility, career, and daily life after service.
Don’t let the lack of a specific diagnostic code for bone spurs discourage you. The VA can still rate your condition based on symptoms and their impact on your life.
By understanding the bone spurs VA rating criteria, you can better position yourself to receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
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(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA disability rating for bone spurs in the foot?
The VA doesn’t have a specific code for foot bone spurs, so they’re usually rated based on similar foot conditions. Your rating will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how much they limit your ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities.
Can you receive a 100% VA disability rating for bone spurs?
You generally can’t get a 100% VA disability rating for bone spurs alone. However, if your bone spurs are so disabling that they prevent you from working, you may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate.
Do bone spurs always cause symptoms?
No, some bone spurs are painless and only discovered on X-rays. For VA disability, you must show that your bone spurs cause functional loss, pain, or limited mobility.
Can bone spurs be rated as secondary conditions?
Yes, if your bone spurs are caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition, you can file a claim for them as a secondary condition.
What medical evidence do you need for a bone spurs VA claim?
For a bone spurs VA claim, you’ll need medical evidence like X-rays or imaging that confirms your current diagnosis. You should also include records showing how the bone spurs impact your daily life and any medical opinion linking them to your service.
Do I need a C&P exam for bone spurs?
Yes, you may require a compensation and pension (C&P) exam to evaluate your service connection, your disability rating, and the severity of your condition. The exam allows the VA to confirm your current diagnosis, review your symptoms, and decide your VA rating.
Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
