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Evidence checklist

Osteomyelitis

DC 500038 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Orthopedic evaluation documenting affected bone and functional limitationsCritical

Examination documenting local signs of infection (warmth, erythema, drainage, sinus tracts), bone involvement, and range of motion or functional limitations of the affected extremity or spine.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking osteomyelitis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting osteomyelitis to an in-service injury, surgery, or wound infection, or as secondary to a service-connected condition such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or traumatic injury.

Private provider · independent opinion
Bone culture and sensitivity results confirming infectionCritical

Microbiological results from bone biopsy or surgical debridement cultures identifying the causative organism. Bone biopsy is the gold standard for definitive osteomyelitis diagnosis.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Laboratory results (WBC, ESR, CRP, procalcitonin)

Inflammatory markers documenting the course of infection and response to treatment over time.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, or bone scan) showing bone involvementCritical

X-rays showing periosteal reaction, cortical destruction, or sequestrum. MRI is most sensitive for early infection. Bone scan or PET scan for chronic or difficult cases.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, wound care)

Records documenting IV and oral antibiotic courses, surgical debridement procedures, sequestrectomy, wound VAC therapy, and any amputations or reconstructive procedures.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Musculoskeletal Conditions (affected site)Critical

Standardized form capturing the involved bone, chronicity, active versus inactive disease status, and functional limitations. VA rates osteomyelitis under DC 5000.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.