---
title: "DC 5011 - Decompression illness"
diagnostic_code: "5011"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5011-decompression-illness"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:11:15.767334Z"
---

# DC 5011 - Decompression illness

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

Rate manifestations under the appropriate diagnostic code within the affected body system, such as arthritis for musculoskeletal residuals; auditory system for vestibular residuals; respiratory system for pulmonary barotrauma residuals; and neurologic system for cerebrovascular accident residuals.

## Rating criteria

No itemised criteria have been extracted for this code. Use the official source.

# Decompression Illness (VA Diagnostic Code 5011)

## Understanding How the VA Rates Decompression Illness

Decompression illness is listed under **Diagnostic Code 5011** in the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, found at **38 CFR § 4.71a**, within the **Musculoskeletal System**.

### What This Condition Involves

Decompression illness can affect more than one part of the body. Because of this, the VA does not assign a single fixed rating for the condition itself. Instead, it evaluates the lasting effects—known as *residuals*—based on which body system each effect impacts.

### How the VA Rates It

Rather than applying one general formula, the VA rates the **manifestations** of decompression illness under the diagnostic code that matches the affected body system. According to the rating criteria, this includes:

- **Musculoskeletal residuals** — rated under the criteria for conditions such as **arthritis**.
- **Vestibular residuals** — rated under the **auditory system**.
- **Pulmonary barotrauma residuals** — rated under the **respiratory system**.
- **Cerebrovascular accident residuals** — rated under the **neurologic system**.

### What the VA Looks For

When evaluating decompression illness, the VA focuses on identifying the specific residual effects and determining which body system each affects. Each residual is then assessed using the appropriate diagnostic code for that system, so the rating reflects the actual lasting impact of the condition.

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*This overview is based on the VA rating schedule entry for Diagnostic Code 5011 (§ 4.71a). It is provided for general informational purposes.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a