Osteomyelitis at 20% VA Disability Rating

Common questions about 20% for Osteomyelitis

How much does a 20% VA rating for Osteomyelitis pay?

A single veteran rated 20% for Osteomyelitis receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $356.66.

What does it take to get a 20% rating for Osteomyelitis?

"With discharging sinus or other evidence of active infection within the past 5 years." Note (2) restricts it: this rating "is not assignable following the initial infection of active osteomyelitis with no subsequent reactivation. The prerequisite for this historical rating is an established recurrent osteomyelitis",…

What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Osteomyelitis?

20%: A draining sinus or other proof of active infection in the last five years, in recurrent disease 30%: Imaging or surgery shows dead bone or new bone walling it off

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?

Yes. If a condition like Sepsis is service-connected as secondary to Osteomyelitis, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 20% alone.