Osteoporosis, residuals of DC 5013
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5013 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Other.
Also searched as: osteoporosis.
How VA rates it
The schedule has no fixed list of levels for this code, so any level from 0% to 100% can apply.
Rated on limitation of motion of the affected part, as degenerative arthritis (DC 5003).
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels
Notes in the schedule (1)
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.
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Former prisoners of war (any length)
Covered: Osteoporosis, if VA finds you have PTSD (claims on or after October 10, 2008).
Who qualifies: Any length of time held as a prisoner of war. The condition must reach at least 10% disabling at any time after service.
38 CFR 3.309(c)(1). Sources: 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Benefits for former prisoners of war
Former prisoners of war (held 30 days or more)
Covered: Osteoporosis (claims on or after September 28, 2009; no PTSD diagnosis needed).
Who qualifies: Held as a prisoner of war for 30 days or more. The condition must reach at least 10% disabling at any time after service.
38 CFR 3.309(c)(2). Sources: 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Benefits for former prisoners of war
Related medications
Medications that can cause or worsen it
If you take one of these for a service-connected condition, this condition may be claimable as secondary to that condition. You need a diagnosis, your prescription records, and a medical opinion.
Oral and injected steroids (for example prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone) Established link
Long-term steroid use is a leading cause of bone loss, and osteoporosis is a labeled side effect.
Sources: FDA label: Prednisone (DailyMed); Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: an update (PubMed)
Inhaled and nasal steroids (for example fluticasone, budesonide, beclomethasone, mometasone) Possible link
Inhaled steroid labels warn about bone loss with long-term, high-dose use.
Sources: FDA label: Fluticasone (DailyMed)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (for example omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole) Possible link
PPI labels warn about bone fractures with long-term, high-dose use. A link to osteoporosis needs a medical opinion.
Sources: FDA label: Omeprazole (DailyMed); Risks and benefits of long-term proton pump inhibitor use (PubMed)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro) Possible link
Long-term use of older seizure medicines like carbamazepine is linked to bone loss.
Sources: FDA label: Carbamazepine (DailyMed); The effects of antiepileptic drugs on bone health: a systematic review (PubMed)
Phenobarbital (Sezaby) Possible link
Long-term use of older seizure medicines like phenobarbital is linked to bone loss.
Sources: FDA label: Phenobarbital (DailyMed); The effects of antiepileptic drugs on bone health: a systematic review (PubMed)
Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) Possible link
Long-term use of older seizure medicines like phenytoin is linked to bone loss.
Sources: FDA label: Phenytoin (DailyMed); The effects of antiepileptic drugs on bone health: a systematic review (PubMed)
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
- Bisphosphonates (for example alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, zoledronic acid). FDA labels: Alendronate (DailyMed)
- Other osteoporosis medicines (for example denosumab, raloxifene, teriparatide, abaloparatide). FDA labels: Denosumab (DailyMed)
Check your claim
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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