Reference: 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5016

What is the VA rating for Pagets Disease?

The published Pagets Disease schedule uses specific diagnostic codes.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

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Under 38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5016, VA evaluates residuals of Paget's Disease (Osteitis deformans) as degenerative arthritis, based on the limitation of motion of the affected parts.

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Overview

About this condition

Under 38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5016, VA evaluates residuals of Paget's Disease (Osteitis deformans) as degenerative arthritis, based on the limitation of motion of the affected parts.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5016

This guide is educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose Paget's Disease, cannot determine service connection, and does not predict a VA decision. Ratings depend on specific limitations of motion in the affected joints.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

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Rated on Limitation of Motion

Rated as degenerative arthritis.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.
What the published criteria say: Paget's Disease itself does not have a single flat rating. Instead, the VA evaluates its residuals by looking at how much it limits the motion of the affected joints, using the criteria for degenerative arthritis (DC 5003) or the specific joint's limitation of motion code.
Medical evidence: Medical records documenting Paget's Disease and joint involvement; Goniometric measurements of limitation of motion in affected joints

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Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

Evaluating bone enlargement and joint complications

Paget's disease causes abnormal bone remodeling, leading to bone enlargement, weakness, and pain. Ratings depend on which bones are affected and resulting joint complications.

The condition commonly affects the pelvis, skull, spine, and long bones of the legs, causing deformity and increased fracture risk.
Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels reflect active bone turnover, but functional impairment drives the disability evaluation.
Secondary osteoarthritis developing in joints adjacent to pagetic bone is evaluated based on the specific joint range of motion.

Records to review: Imaging studies showing classic bone expansion and cortical thickening; Serum alkaline phosphatase and bone-specific turnover markers; Orthopedic and physical examination records of affected joints.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Medical Evidence 1

A confirmed diagnosis of Paget's Disease (Osteitis deformans).

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Medical Evidence 2

Medical records and range-of-motion (ROM) testing detailing the exact limitation of motion for any affected joints.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.

Terminology

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Pagets Disease

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Pagets Disease yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Pagets Disease.

How VA Rates Arthritis: DC 5002 Rheumatoid and DC 5003 Osteoarthritis Guide

Learn how the VA evaluates degenerative osteoarthritis (DC 5003) and rheumatoid arthritis (DC 5002) under 38 CFR 4.71a based on X-rays and flare-ups.

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VA Math & Combined Ratings

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Evidence Center

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