VASRD 5032 · Musculoskeletal

Nonunion of Bone Fracture VA Disability Rating

A fracture that never healed, leaving the bone unstable or painful.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%Broken bone never healed and you can't move normally.
20%Bone didn’t heal but is stable enough without a brace.
10%Old unhealed fracture seen on scan but not causing issues.

How the VA Evaluates Nonunion of Bone Fracture

X-rays or CT scan confirming nonunion after prolonged healing time (6+ months), along with surgical or orthopedic history.

Approval rate

High – when documented with proper imaging and follow-up care.

Annual service-connected

2,300 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Imaging showing lack of bone healing
  • •Orthopedic notes on treatment failure
  • •Surgical history or hardware implants

Strategy Tips

  • •Provide post-surgery X-rays or CT
  • •Show how brace use or pain affects your daily life

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No imaging provided
  • •Incorrectly assuming healing is complete

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not submitting post-surgical imaging
  • •Leaving out functional limitations

Onset Patterns

  • •Usually follows trauma or failed surgery
  • •May lead to chronic disability if untreated

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Nonunion of Bone Fracture. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Chronic Pain

    Persistent instability causes ongoing discomfort

  • Limb Shortening

    Nonunion can alter limb length or posture

Common questions about Nonunion of Bone Fracture

Is Nonunion of Bone Fracture a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Nonunion of Bone Fracture under VASRD diagnostic code 5032 (Musculoskeletal). A fracture that never healed, leaving the bone unstable or painful.
What VA disability rating can I get for Nonunion of Bone Fracture?
Possible VA ratings for Nonunion of Bone Fracture are 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40% — Broken bone never healed and you can't move normally.; 20% — Bone didn’t heal but is stable enough without a brace.; 10% — Old unhealed fracture seen on scan but not causing issues..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Nonunion of Bone Fracture?
The average awarded rating for Nonunion of Bone Fracture is 20%. Roughly 2,300 veterans are service-connected for Nonunion of Bone Fracture each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – when documented with proper imaging and follow-up care..
What evidence helps prove Nonunion of Bone Fracture for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Nonunion of Bone Fracture claim includes: Imaging showing lack of bone healing; Orthopedic notes on treatment failure; Surgical history or hardware implants.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Nonunion of Bone Fracture?
Common pitfalls when filing for Nonunion of Bone Fracture: Not submitting post-surgical imaging; Leaving out functional limitations.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Nonunion of Bone Fracture?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Nonunion of Bone Fracture include: Chronic Pain, Limb Shortening. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Nonunion of Bone Fracture combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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