VASRD 5026 · Musculoskeletal

Osteochondritis Dissecans VA Disability Rating

Bone underneath cartilage dies due to reduced blood flow, leading to loose bone fragments in a joint.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
20%Joint frequently locks and swells with reduced movement.
10%Sometimes the joint hurts or swells but still moves okay.

How the VA Evaluates Osteochondritis Dissecans

MRI or arthroscopy confirms cartilage and subchondral bone separation; symptoms include pain, swelling, and mechanical joint issues.

Approval rate

Low to moderate – requires specific imaging evidence and orthopedic confirmation.

Annual service-connected

400 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •MRI showing subchondral defect
  • •Orthopedic specialist opinion
  • •Documented symptoms of catching/locking

Strategy Tips

  • •Use imaging to prove diagnosis
  • •Describe functional impact (e.g., locking, popping)

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No imaging confirmation
  • •Symptoms attributed to general arthritis without specifying condition

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Missing MRI or arthroscopic evidence
  • •No documentation of functional limitation

Onset Patterns

  • •Develops in younger patients after trauma or repetitive motion
  • •Progresses to joint instability if untreated

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Osteochondritis Dissecans. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Osteoarthritis

    Joint damage from repeated bone-cartilage separation

Common questions about Osteochondritis Dissecans

Is Osteochondritis Dissecans a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Osteochondritis Dissecans under VASRD diagnostic code 5026 (Musculoskeletal). Bone underneath cartilage dies due to reduced blood flow, leading to loose bone fragments in a joint.
What VA disability rating can I get for Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Possible VA ratings for Osteochondritis Dissecans are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20% — Joint frequently locks and swells with reduced movement.; 10% — Sometimes the joint hurts or swells but still moves okay..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Osteochondritis Dissecans?
The average awarded rating for Osteochondritis Dissecans is 10%. Roughly 400 veterans are service-connected for Osteochondritis Dissecans each year. Typical approval likelihood: Low to moderate – requires specific imaging evidence and orthopedic confirmation..
What evidence helps prove Osteochondritis Dissecans for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Osteochondritis Dissecans claim includes: MRI showing subchondral defect; Orthopedic specialist opinion; Documented symptoms of catching/locking.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Common pitfalls when filing for Osteochondritis Dissecans: Missing MRI or arthroscopic evidence; No documentation of functional limitation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Osteochondritis Dissecans include: Osteoarthritis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Osteochondritis Dissecans combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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