Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5020
Osteomyelitis Secondary to Fistula in Ano
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Osteomyelitis when it develops after Fistula in Ano.
Why Osteomyelitis Is Linked to Fistula in Ano
Recurrent openings
Primary condition · VASRD 7337
Fistula in Ano
Abnormal tunnel between the rectum and skin, causing pain and discharge.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5020
Osteomyelitis
A serious bone infection that can damage tissue and lead to disability.
Osteomyelitis VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Osteomyelitis the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Fistula in Ano — severity of Osteomyelitis itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Fistula in Ano + 30% Osteomyelitis = 37%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 30% combine to 37%, not 40%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Osteomyelitis Secondary Claim
- •MRI or bone scan confirming infection
- •Hospital records showing treatment or surgery
- •Bone biopsy or positive culture
Common questions about Osteomyelitis secondary to Fistula in Ano
- Can Osteomyelitis be service-connected as secondary to Fistula in Ano?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Recurrent openings You'll need a current Osteomyelitis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Fistula in Ano — the same standar…
- What VA rating can I get for Osteomyelitis as a secondary condition?
- Osteomyelitis is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5020 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Osteomyelitis itself, not on the severity of Fistula in Ano.
- How does a secondary Osteomyelitis claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 10% rating for Fistula in Ano combined with a 30% rating for Osteomyelitis (example figures) produces a combined rating of 37%, not 40%. Approving Osteomyelitis as secondary still typically raises your overall combined ra…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Osteomyelitis as secondary to Fistula in Ano?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Osteomyelitis diagnosis includes: MRI or bone scan confirming infection; Hospital records showing treatment or surgery; Bone biopsy or positive culture. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Fistula in Ano caused or aggravated Osteomyel…
Primary condition
Full Fistula in Ano guide
Secondary condition
Full Osteomyelitis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Fistula in Ano and Osteomyelitis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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