---
title: "DC 5298 - Coccyx, removal of"
diagnostic_code: "5298"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5298-coccyx-removal-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:56:57.165592Z"
---

# DC 5298 - Coccyx, removal of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | Partial or complete, with painful residuals |
| 0% | Without painful residuals |

# Coccyx Removal (Diagnostic Code 5298)

## Understanding the Condition

The **coccyx** is the small, triangular bone at the very bottom of your spine—commonly known as the tailbone. In some cases, part or all of this bone may be surgically removed. When that happens, the VA evaluates the condition under **Diagnostic Code 5298**, part of the **Musculoskeletal System** ratings found in **§ 4.71a** of the VA rating schedule.

This rating focuses on whether the removal of the coccyx—whether partial or complete—leaves behind lingering, painful effects.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of two rating levels for this condition:

| Rating | Criteria |
| ------ | -------- |
| **10%** | Partial or complete removal of the coccyx, **with painful residuals** |
| **0%** | Removal **without painful residuals** |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a coccyx removal, the VA's evaluation centers on a single key distinction:

- **Whether the removal was partial or complete** — both are treated the same under this code.
- **Whether there are painful residuals** — meaning symptoms or pain that remain after the removal.

If painful residuals are present, the condition is rated at **10%**. If the removal has left no painful residuals, it is rated at **0%**.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5298) and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts and medical evidence in each case.*

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