Diagnostic Code 5016 · 38 CFR §4.71a
Paget's disease of bone is a chronic condition where the normal process of bone renewal becomes disrupted, leading to bones that are enlarged, misshapen, and weakened. The affected bones break down and rebuild faster than normal, resulting in bone that is structurally abnormal. It most commonly affects the pelvis, skull, spine, and leg bones. Many people have no symptoms, but the condition can cause bone pain, deformities, fractures, and complications like arthritis in nearby joints or hearing loss if the skull is affected. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may relate to both genetic factors and environmental triggers.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 20% | |
| 10% | |
| 0% |
Blood work showing elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, Bone imaging showing characteristic Paget's disease changes, Bone scan identifying all affected sites, Medical records documenting symptoms and treatment, Evidence connecting the onset or aggravation to military service