VA Disability Rating for Bones, neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondary (DC 5012)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Bones and Other Skeletal Conditions

This diagnostic code covers malignant (cancerous) bone tumors, whether they started in the bone itself (primary) or spread to the bone from cancer elsewhere in your body (secondary). The VA rates bone cancer at 100%, and the 100% rating continues for 1 year after surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other prescribed treatment ends. After that, if the cancer has not come back or spread, the VA rates whatever lasting effects (residuals) remain.

Rating levels

  • 100% — If you have cancer that started in your bones (primary) or cancer that has spread to your bones from somewhere else in your body (secondary), you automatically qualify for this rating. This applies to any malignant tumor (cancerous growth) affecting your bones, regardless of which specific bones are involved or how many bones are affected.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.

Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic (DC 5000)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5000.
Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive (DC 5001)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5001.
Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process (DC 5002)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5002.
Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic (DC 5003)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5003.
Arthritis, gonorrheal (DC 5004)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5004.