---
title: "DC 5016 - Osteitis deformans"
diagnostic_code: "5016"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5016-osteitis-deformans"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:12:43.597651Z"
---

# DC 5016 - Osteitis deformans

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

Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.

## Rating criteria

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

## Notes

- Note to DCs 5013 through 5024: Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.

# Osteitis Deformans (VA Diagnostic Code 5016)

## Understanding How the VA Rates Osteitis Deformans

Osteitis deformans is a condition affecting the **musculoskeletal system**. Under the VA rating schedule, it is assigned **Diagnostic Code 5016** and evaluated under **38 CFR § 4.71a**.

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## How This Condition Is Rated

Osteitis deformans is one of several conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024. Rather than having its own standalone rating scale, the VA evaluates it **as degenerative arthritis, based on the limitation of motion of the affected parts**.

In plain language: the VA looks at how much the condition restricts movement in the joints or body parts it affects, and rates it using the same approach applied to degenerative arthritis.

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## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating osteitis deformans, the VA focuses on:

- **The affected parts of the body** — which joints or areas are involved.
- **Limitation of motion** — how much the condition restricts normal range of movement in those affected parts.

Because the evaluation is tied to limitation of motion, documentation showing how the condition affects movement in the impacted areas is central to how it is rated.

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## Key Reference

- **Diagnostic Code:** 5016
- **Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.71a
- **Body System:** Musculoskeletal System
- **Evaluation Method:** Rated as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts (per the note applying to diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024).

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*This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the VA rating criteria for this diagnostic code. It is not legal advice, and individual rating outcomes depend on the specific evidence and circumstances of each claim.*

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