VASRD 5028 · Musculoskeletal

Osteomalacia VA Disability Rating

A condition where bones become soft due to vitamin D or phosphate deficiency.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severely soft bones with fractures and movement issues.
60%Painful soft bones causing problems but not totally disabling.
30%Weak bones from vitamin D problems that cause some pain.
10%Softening bones without serious symptoms yet.

How the VA Evaluates Osteomalacia

Low vitamin D/calcium levels, bone biopsy or imaging confirming poor mineralization.

Approval rate

Low – rare in U.S. but can be tied to malabsorption conditions.

Annual service-connected

70 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Vitamin D and calcium blood levels
  • •Bone scan or X-ray showing Looser’s zones
  • •Muscle strength and gait evaluation

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit blood test results with claim
  • •Explain how symptoms affect mobility

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Confusing with osteoporosis
  • •No lab confirmation of deficiency

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not submitting lab results
  • •No functional impact description

Onset Patterns

  • •Develops gradually with bone pain and weakness
  • •May progress to fractures if untreated

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Fractures

    Soft bones are more prone to break

  • Chronic Fatigue

    Muscle weakness and pain reduce energy levels

Common questions about Osteomalacia

Is Osteomalacia a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Osteomalacia under VASRD diagnostic code 5028 (Musculoskeletal). A condition where bones become soft due to vitamin D or phosphate deficiency.
What VA disability rating can I get for Osteomalacia?
Possible VA ratings for Osteomalacia are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Severely soft bones with fractures and movement issues.; 60% — Painful soft bones causing problems but not totally disabling.; 30% — Weak bones from vitamin D problems that cause some pain..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Osteomalacia?
The average awarded rating for Osteomalacia is 30%. Roughly 70 veterans are service-connected for Osteomalacia each year. Typical approval likelihood: Low – rare in U.S. but can be tied to malabsorption conditions..
What evidence helps prove Osteomalacia for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Osteomalacia claim includes: Vitamin D and calcium blood levels; Bone scan or X-ray showing Looser’s zones; Muscle strength and gait evaluation.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Osteomalacia?
Common pitfalls when filing for Osteomalacia: Not submitting lab results; No functional impact description.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Osteomalacia?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Osteomalacia include: Fractures, Chronic Fatigue. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

Open the calculator