Stress Fracture Residuals

DC 5022Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5022

Residual effects from stress fractures — small cracks in bones caused by repetitive force. Very common in military service, especially during basic training. The VA rates stress fracture residuals based on periostitis (bone inflammation) and its impact on function.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5022

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5022. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have residuals from stress fractures with marked limitation of function. The periostitis causes significant pain that limits your ability to walk, run, or bear weight on the affected area. Multiple fracture sites may be involved.

What the VA looks for

Multiple stress fracture sites or involvement of multiple joints
Imaging confirming periosteal thickening or bone remodeling
Occasional incapacitating flare-ups documented
Marked limitation of weight-bearing activity
Treatment records showing ongoing management of residual pain

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting follow-up imaging that shows residuals at the fracture site — healed stress fractures may still show periosteal thickening that supports a rating.
⚠Assuming that because the fracture healed, there is nothing to rate — chronic periostitis and ongoing pain at the fracture site are ratable residuals.
⚠Not documenting ongoing pain at each fracture site during the C&P exam — tell the examiner about pain with activity at each site.
⚠Not connecting the stress fractures to high-impact military training such as basic training, airborne operations, or forced marches.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Bone Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Stress Fracture Residuals or rated under the same body system.

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257·Musculoskeletal

Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)

DC 5276·Musculoskeletal

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

DC 5003·Musculoskeletal

Fibromyalgia

DC 5025·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

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

Stress Fracture Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5022

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Multiple stress fracture sites or involvement of multiple joints
Imaging confirming periosteal thickening or bone remodeling
Occasional incapacitating flare-ups documented
Marked limitation of weight-bearing activity
Treatment records showing ongoing management of residual pain

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting follow-up imaging that shows residuals at the fracture site — healed stress fractures may still show periosteal thickening that supports a rating.

⚠Assuming that because the fracture healed, there is nothing to rate — chronic periostitis and ongoing pain at the fracture site are ratable residuals.

⚠Not documenting ongoing pain at each fracture site during the C&P exam — tell the examiner about pain with activity at each site.

⚠Not connecting the stress fractures to high-impact military training such as basic training, airborne operations, or forced marches.