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Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue among veterans, often linked to limited sun exposure, certain medications, or service-connected conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or gastrointestinal disorders.
If you suffer from vitamin D deficiency, you might be wondering about the vitamin D deficiency VA rating and whether the condition qualifies for VA disability compensation. While the VA does not typically assign a direct VA rating for vitamin D deficiency, there are pathways to service connection in specific cases.
In this post, we’ll break down the facts based on official VA guidelines and decisions. We’ll cover how the VA views this vitamin D deficiency, the potential for secondary service connection, and steps you can take if you believe your deficiency is related to your military service.
Summary of Key Points
- It is not listed as a specific diagnostic code in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) under nutritional deficiencies.
- Service connection may be possible secondarily if aggravated by a service-connected condition (e.g., PTSD leading to avoidance of sunlight).
- Symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, or bone issues may be rated under related conditions if properly linked.
Table of Contents
What is Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Common causes of vitamin D deficiency include:
- Not enough vitamin D in your diet
- Not absorbing enough vitamin D from food (malabsorption)
- Not enough exposure to sunlight
- The liver or kidneys are unable to convert vitamin D to its active form in the body
- Medicines interfere with your body’s ability to convert or absorb vitamin D
Veterans may be at higher risk due to deployment environments, indoor lifestyles post-service, or conditions like PTSD that reduce outdoor activity.
Related: Does the VA Rate Nutritional Deficiencies?
How the VA Rates Vitamin D Deficiency
There is no specific vitamin D deficiency VA rating in the VASRD.
The VASRD addresses certain nutritional deficiencies — for example, avitaminosis (diagnostic code 6313), beriberi (DC 6314), and pellagra (DC 6315) under 38 CFR Part 4, Subpart B. Vitamin D deficiency is not explicitly included. Claims for it as a primary condition are often challenging unless it causes a diagnosable disability with symptoms.
The VA provides a Nutritional Deficiencies Disability Benefits Questionnaire for evaluation, but this is more often used for ratable deficiencies like beriberi or pellagra.
>> View VA Ratings By Condition
Vitamin D Deficiency as a Secondary Condition
In some cases, the VA may grant service connection on a secondary basis if evidence shows that a service-connected disability caused or aggravated the deficiency.
For example:
- PTSD can lead to agoraphobia or avoidance of outdoor activities, reducing sunlight exposure and aggravating vitamin D levels.
- Gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., IBS) may cause malabsorption, leading to deficiency.
If vitamin D deficiency meets the criteria for secondary service connection, symptoms may be rated analogously under codes for related issues (e.g., muscle pain or fatigue), but a standalone percentage for the deficiency itself is rare.
Strong medical evidence, such as a nexus opinion linking the deficiency to your primary condition, is crucial.
How to File a VA Claim
If you believe your vitamin D deficiency is linked to your service or an already service-connected condition:
- Gather medical evidence, including blood test results showing deficiency, treatment records, and a medical opinion connecting it to service.
- File as a secondary claim, if applicable (e.g., secondary to PTSD).
- Consider claiming symptoms separately (e.g., osteomalacia or chronic pain) if they meet VASRD criteria.
- Use the VA’s online tools or work with an accredited representative.
Conclusion
While there is no direct vitamin D deficiency VA rating, veterans with strong evidence of secondary aggravation — particularly from conditions like PTSD — may succeed in obtaining service connection.
If you’re dealing with symptoms like fatigue, pain, or bone issues due to low vitamin D, get tested through your VA provider and explore all potential claim avenues. Proper medical documentation can make a big difference.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a VA disability rating for vitamin D deficiency?
No, generally not for direct service connection. However, secondary service connection is possible if your vitamin D deficiency is caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition.
What is the VA rating for vitamin D deficiency if approved?
There is no specific VA rating code for vitamin D deficiency, so ratings are rare and often 0% or analogous to symptoms under other codes.
Can vitamin D deficiency be secondary to PTSD?
Yes, if evidence shows PTSD causes reduced sun exposure.
Does the VA prescribe supplements for vitamin D deficiency?
Yes, VA providers may prescribe vitamin D supplements for deficient veterans.
How do I prove my vitamin D deficiency is service-connected?
Provide lab results, a nexus letter from a doctor linking it to your service or an already service-connected primary condition, and evidence of ongoing symptoms.
Is vitamin D deficiency common in veterans?
Yes, vitamin D deficiency is common in veterans due to factors such as deployment, medications, and mental health conditions that impact lifestyle.
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The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.
About the Author
Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
