VASRD 5016 · Musculoskeletal

Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures VA Disability Rating

A disease causing bones to become weak and prone to breaking.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Multiple broken bones or spinal damage from severe bone loss.
60%Major bone breaks due to brittle bones and reduced movement.
30%Frequent bone breaks caused by fragile bones.
10%Low bone density with risk of future breaks.

How the VA Evaluates Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures

Bone density scan (DEXA) showing low T-score (<-2.5), history of fractures, and endocrine or medication history.

Approval rate

Moderate – improves with fracture documentation and scan results.

Annual service-connected

1,600 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •DEXA scan results
  • •Orthopedic surgeon notes
  • •Fracture history related to minor trauma

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit DEXA scan and fracture records
  • •Link cause to medication or service-related condition

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Missing bone scan
  • •Not connecting fractures to low bone density

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Failing to show link between fracture and bone disease
  • •Omitting treatment or scan results

Onset Patterns

  • •Often asymptomatic until fracture occurs
  • •More common in older women or steroid users

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Compression Fractures

    Weakened bones break easily in the spine

Common questions about Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures

Is Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures under VASRD diagnostic code 5016 (Musculoskeletal). A disease causing bones to become weak and prone to breaking.
What VA disability rating can I get for Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures?
Possible VA ratings for Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Multiple broken bones or spinal damage from severe bone loss.; 60% — Major bone breaks due to brittle bones and reduced movement.; 30% — Frequent bone breaks caused by fragile bones..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures?
The average awarded rating for Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures is 30%. Roughly 1,600 veterans are service-connected for Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – improves with fracture documentation and scan results..
What evidence helps prove Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures claim includes: DEXA scan results; Orthopedic surgeon notes; Fracture history related to minor trauma.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures?
Common pitfalls when filing for Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures: Failing to show link between fracture and bone disease; Omitting treatment or scan results.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Osteoporosis with Pathological Fractures include: Compression Fractures. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

Open the calculator