Ribs, removal of DC 5297
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5297 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Other.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 5 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 50% | More than six |
| 40% | Five or six |
| 30% | Three or four |
| 20% | Two |
| 10% | One or resection of two or more ribs without regeneration |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Notes in the schedule (2)
Note (1): The rating for rib resection or removal is not to be applied with ratings for purrulent pleurisy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy or injuries of pleural cavity.
Note (2): However, rib resection will be considered as rib removal in thoracoplasty performed for collapse therapy or to accomplish obliteration of space and will be combined with the rating for lung collapse, or with the rating for lobectomy, pneumonectomy or the graduated ratings for pulmonary tuberculosis.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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