Bones, neoplasm, malignant (primary or secondary)
38 CFR § 4.71a — Musculoskeletal system
Malignant tumors of bone are evaluated under DC 5012 per § 4.71a, including postsurgical and treatment phases as described in the schedule.
Diagnostic code
5012
DC 5012 applies to malignant bone tumors, whether primary or metastatic to bone, when rated under this diagnostic code. The assigned percentage reflects the schedule criteria for active disease, treatment, and lasting impairment—not only the pathology report title.
Oncology notes, imaging, resection margins, and rehabilitation records should be compared to the rating criteria in the regulation for the period being evaluated.
Official VA rating criteria — benign / malignant bone neoplasm
Neoplasms of bone use DCs 5012 and 5015 with ratings tied to active disease, treatment, and surgical residuals. Staging and treatment era affect evaluation—read the full DC notes.
| Rating | VA criteria (themes) | Key evidence at this level |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Active malignant disease, certain treatment phases, or bedridden status as defined in the schedule (verify DC 5012 text). | Oncology notes, pathology, chemo/radiation records. |
| 60–80% | Residuals after treatment with severe limitation, recurrence risk, or major structural loss. | Surgical reports, imaging surveillance, rehab notes. |
| 10–40% | Localized residuals, mild limb length discrepancy, or ROM limitation per schedule. | Orthopedic follow-up, prosthesis/limb fitting records. |
| 0% | Resolved benign lesion without current functional loss. | Excision pathology clear margins; normal function on exam. |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.71a — DCs 5012 and 5015.
Service connection — common paths
Direct service connection
Direct service connection when the record links the neoplasm to in-service exposure, injury, or onset per VA standards.
Secondary service connection
Less common; may arise in aggravation theories involving another SC condition—highly fact-specific.
Secondary conditions sometimes pursued with Bones, neoplasm, malignant (primary or secondary)
Cancer and tumor residuals may be associated with pain, mental health effects, treatment side effects, and regional functional loss—each requires its own medical evidence and rating analysis.
Oncology and chronic illness are common contexts for mental-health claims.
Surgical or radiation effects may support additional musculoskeletal evaluations.
“Strong” / “Moderate” / “Developing” reflect how often these theories appear in educational materials—not a prediction of approval. Use accredited help for your specific file.
Already service-connected for something else?
Secondary theories to a neoplasm are less common than direct or presumptive service connection; discuss unusual exposure or SC aggravation theories with an accredited representative.
Certain cancers are presumptive for qualifying radiation-exposed veterans—verify current regulatory lists.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 5012 — Bones, neoplasm, malignant (primary or secondary) — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.71a in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Use 38 CFR § 4.71a and locate DC 5012 for the full rating table and notes.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (5012) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “5012”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 5012 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 5012 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Discuss how your evidence fits DC 5012 with a VA-accredited representative. Quick search: DC code lookup.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.