Looking for answers about how to get an osteoporosis VA rating? We’ve got them!
As a veteran, you put your body through a lot, which doesn’t go without consequences. If you develop osteoporosis because of your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation and benefits.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- How the VA rates osteoporosis
- The VA rating charts for osteoporosis
- How to get an osteoporosis VA rating
- How to file your VA claim & much more!
Enough talk; let’s get to it!
Summary of Key Points
- The VASRD (Veteran Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities) code for osteoporosis is DC 5013, found under the § 4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system.
- If your osteoporosis significantly affects your range of motion or causes other impairments, your VA disability rating will be based on the severity of these functional limitations.
- Veterans are at risk for osteoporosis due to prior injuries and their lifestyles linked to their military service.
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.
We CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
Table of Contents
Osteoporosis in Veterans
Osteoporosis causes your bones to become weak, making them susceptible to breaks. While osteoporosis affects various parts of your body, it’s common in the hip, wrist, or spine.
Veterans are at risk for osteoporosis because of multiple risk factors, including prior injuries. One study found that veterans tend to have a higher risk of osteoporosis due to their lifestyles and health issues linked to their military service.
The same study found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange were at risk of prostate cancer, and the primary treatment option (androgen deprivation therapy) increased the risk of osteoporosis.
Additional causes of osteoporosis include, not but are limited to:
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Age (You’re more at risk if you are 50 years or older)
- Smoking
- Low body weight
- Poor nutrition
The good news is you can help fight osteoporosis with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Osteoporosis VA Ratings
Osteoporosis VA ratings are 10% or 20%. However, your specific osteoporosis VA rating will depend on the severity of your impairment and the body part affected.
The VASRD code for osteoporosis is found under § 4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system, DC 5013 (Osteoporosis, residuals of).
How the VA Rates Osteoporosis
The VA rates osteoporosis depending on the long-term effects, limitation of motion, and functional impairments of the condition.
Diseases under DCs 5013 through 5024 are evaluated similarly to degenerative arthritis, focusing on the limitation of motion of affected body parts.
Degenerative Arthritis VA Rating Chart
| Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic | VA Rating |
| In the absence of limitation of motion, rated as below: | |
| With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations | 20% |
| With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups | 10% |
Note (1): The 20% and 10% VA disability ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion.
Note (2): The 20% and 10% ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024, inclusive.
How to Get an Osteoporosis VA Rating
Before you can secure a VA rating for osteoporosis, you must file a VA claim. In order to win your VA claim, you must service-connect your condition. This means you must prove ALL the following:
- A current medical diagnosis of osteoporosis;
- An in-service event, injury, or illness that caused or aggravated your condition;
- A medical link, or nexus, between your osteoporosis and the in-service event, injury, or disease.
Now, you’re ready to file your VA claim. You can submit your application online, by mail or fax, or in person at a local regional VA office. Find the method that best suits your needs!
How Long Does a VA Claim Take?
Osteoporosis and TDIU
If your service-connected osteoporosis prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may be entitled to be paid at the 100% VA disability rate, even if you’re rated below the 100% schedular.
To qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for osteoporosis, you must meet the following criteria:
You can’t hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. Odd jobs (marginal employment) don’t count.
And 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.
SEE MORE: How to Win Your VA TDIU Claim (The Expert’s Guide)
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a C&P exam for osteoporosis?
You may be required to attend a compensation and pension (C&P) examination so the VA can better assess your condition. You’ll likely be asked questions about your osteoporosis and may have an X-ray to determine the extent of your condition.
RELATED: Top 7 Tips to Prepare for Your VA C&P Exam
Can I get an osteopenia VA rating?
Osteopenia is a loss of bone density, making you at higher risk for osteoporosis. You may be eligible for an osteopenia VA disability rating if you can prove your military service caused your condition.
Is osteoporosis a presumptive condition?
Yes, the VA considers osteoporosis a presumptive condition if you were held as a prisoner of war (POW) for at least 30 days or if you have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and were held as a POW for any period.
Note: To qualify for this presumption, you must have at least a 10% rating for osteoporosis.
Check out our guide to the complete VA Presumptive List
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we guide you and take control of the claims process so you may get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law. If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us!
Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you may increase your rating FAST! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!
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.
