VASRD 5011 · Infectious Diseases / Musculoskeletal

Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints VA Disability Rating

A form of tuberculosis that infects and damages bones or joints.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Bone TB that’s actively spreading and debilitating.
60%Old TB infection that left serious joint damage.
30%Past TB with moderate bone or joint changes.
10%Healed bone TB but with lingering mild issues.

How the VA Evaluates Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints

Confirmed by biopsy, X-ray, or MRI showing TB in bones/joints, often with history of active TB or exposure.

Approval rate

Moderate – based on infection history and lasting damage.

Annual service-connected

430 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • VA or civilian TB diagnosis
  • X-ray or MRI confirming bony TB lesions
  • History of TB exposure or infection in service

Strategy Tips

  • Submit all infectious disease treatment records
  • Include orthopedic exams if joint damage exists

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • No proof of TB organism in joint
  • Treating as osteoarthritis instead of infectious cause

Common Filing Mistakes

  • No history of TB diagnosis
  • Omitting imaging of joints

Onset Patterns

  • Often slow-growing with joint pain and swelling
  • May not present with typical TB lung symptoms

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Chronic Pain

    Residual damage from bone TB can cause ongoing pain.

Common questions about Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints

Is Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints under VASRD diagnostic code 5011 (Infectious Diseases / Musculoskeletal). A form of tuberculosis that infects and damages bones or joints.
What VA disability rating can I get for Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints?
Possible VA ratings for Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Bone TB that’s actively spreading and debilitating.; 60% — Old TB infection that left serious joint damage.; 30% — Past TB with moderate bone or joint changes..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints?
The average awarded rating for Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints is 30%. Roughly 430 veterans are service-connected for Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – based on infection history and lasting damage..
What evidence helps prove Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints claim includes: VA or civilian TB diagnosis; X-ray or MRI confirming bony TB lesions; History of TB exposure or infection in service.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints?
Common pitfalls when filing for Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints: No history of TB diagnosis; Omitting imaging of joints.
Is Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints is recognized as a presumptive condition. Tuberculosis is presumptive if contracted during qualifying service periods
What conditions are commonly secondary to Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints include: Chronic Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Turberculosis of the Bones and Joints combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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