Diagnostic Code 5000 · 38 CFR §4.71a
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can develop after open fractures, surgical procedures, or through bloodborne spread from infections elsewhere in the body. The infection causes inflammation, pain, and can destroy bone tissue if not treated effectively. It can be acute, meaning it developed recently, or chronic, meaning it has persisted or keeps coming back over time. Veterans commonly develop osteomyelitis from combat wounds, open fractures sustained during training, surgical complications from service-connected injuries, or infections that spread from soft tissue wounds.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 20% | |
| 10% | |
| 0% |
Medical records documenting the bone infection and its connection to military service, Bone imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or bone scans showing infection, Laboratory results including blood cultures and inflammatory markers, Surgical records if debridement or bone removal was performed, Records of antibiotic treatment courses and their duration