Osteoporosis

DC 5013Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5013

A condition where your bones become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break. The VA rates osteoporosis based on X-ray evidence, whether you have pathological fractures, and how the condition limits your movement.

Rating Levels

Your osteoporosis has caused multiple fractures and deformity, resulting in severe limitation of motion and significant functional impairment.

What the VA looks for

Multiple pathological fractures documented
Bone deformity from repeated fractures
Severe limitation of motion
Significant height loss from vertebral fractures
Severe functional impairment requiring assistive devices

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a DEXA scan — bone density testing is essential for documenting osteoporosis severity and tracking progression over time.
⚠Not documenting pathological fractures — fractures caused by osteoporosis (from minimal trauma) support higher ratings. Every fracture should be on imaging.
⚠Not connecting osteoporosis to service — osteoporosis can be secondary to medications (steroids), hormonal changes, or other service-connected conditions.
⚠Not filing for each affected body part separately — if osteoporosis causes fractures in multiple areas (spine, hip, wrist), each area may warrant its own rating.
⚠Not reporting the impact on daily activities — describe difficulty standing, walking, lifting, and the fear of falling that affects your quality of life.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Bone Conditions
DBQ Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

Your osteoporosis has caused multiple fractures and deformity, resulting in severe limitation of motion and significant functional impairment.

What the VA looks for

Multiple pathological fractures documented
Bone deformity from repeated fractures
Severe limitation of motion
Significant height loss from vertebral fractures
Severe functional impairment requiring assistive devices

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a DEXA scan — bone density testing is essential for documenting osteoporosis severity and tracking progression over time.

⚠Not documenting pathological fractures — fractures caused by osteoporosis (from minimal trauma) support higher ratings. Every fracture should be on imaging.

⚠Not connecting osteoporosis to service — osteoporosis can be secondary to medications (steroids), hormonal changes, or other service-connected conditions.

⚠Not filing for each affected body part separately — if osteoporosis causes fractures in multiple areas (spine, hip, wrist), each area may warrant its own rating.

⚠Not reporting the impact on daily activities — describe difficulty standing, walking, lifting, and the fear of falling that affects your quality of life.