---
title: "DC 5023 - Heterotopic ossification"
diagnostic_code: "5023"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5023-heterotopic-ossification"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:13:50.969890Z"
---

# DC 5023 - Heterotopic ossification

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.

# Heterotopic Ossification (VA Diagnostic Code 5023)

## Understanding Your VA Rating for Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic ossification is a musculoskeletal condition rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under **Diagnostic Code 5023**, found in **38 CFR § 4.71a**.

---

## What Is Heterotopic Ossification?

Heterotopic ossification is a condition affecting the **musculoskeletal system**. Because conditions like this can affect how well an area of the body moves, the VA does not use a stand-alone rating chart for it. Instead, the VA has a specific rule for how it is evaluated.

---

## How the VA Rates This Condition

Under the VA rules for Diagnostic Codes 5013 through 5024, heterotopic ossification is **evaluated as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of the affected parts.**

In other words, the VA looks at how much the condition limits the movement of the affected part of the body, and applies the framework used for degenerative arthritis.

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

---

## What the VA Looks For

- Whether the condition falls within the musculoskeletal system rules of **§ 4.71a**
- The **limitation of motion** of the affected part or parts of the body
- Application of the **degenerative arthritis** evaluation framework, as directed for Diagnostic Codes 5013 through 5024

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5023. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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