Stress Fracture Residuals

DC 5022Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5022

Residual effects from stress fractures — small cracks in bones caused by repetitive force. Very common in military service, especially during basic training. The VA rates stress fracture residuals based on periostitis (bone inflammation) and its impact on function.

Rating Levels

You have residuals from stress fractures with marked limitation of function. The periostitis causes significant pain that limits your ability to walk, run, or bear weight on the affected area. Multiple fracture sites may be involved.

What the VA looks for

Multiple stress fracture sites or involvement of multiple joints
Imaging confirming periosteal thickening or bone remodeling
Occasional incapacitating flare-ups documented
Marked limitation of weight-bearing activity
Treatment records showing ongoing management of residual pain

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting follow-up imaging that shows residuals at the fracture site — healed stress fractures may still show periosteal thickening that supports a rating.
⚠Assuming that because the fracture healed, there is nothing to rate — chronic periostitis and ongoing pain at the fracture site are ratable residuals.
⚠Not documenting ongoing pain at each fracture site during the C&P exam — tell the examiner about pain with activity at each site.
⚠Not connecting the stress fractures to high-impact military training such as basic training, airborne operations, or forced marches.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Bone Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…