Broken Bones
TL;DR
What You Need to Know
- Quasi-presumptive - Broken bones in service with medical evidence should be granted in most cases
- Evidence needed - X-ray, surgical report, or casting documentation
- Minimum rating - Even with no current symptoms, a 0% minimum is granted
- Pre-existing breaks - May require an aggravation medical opinion
One of the few a'duhs from the VA in terms of policy (M21 V.iii.1.F.1.a.). If you broke any bones in-service the AND there is medical evidence (x-ray, surgical report, or casting) then the rater should grant service-connection in MOST cases.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If their is medical evidence indicating the bone was broken prior to service (such as evidence of previous healing) then the VA may need to obtain an Aggravation medical opinion before granting service-connection.
Yes, even if the bone clearly re-broke in service.
Even if there are no current symptoms or disabilities, the rater needs to grant at 0% minimum.