C&P Exam for Ribs, removal of (DC 5297)

Read the C&P exam preparation guideWhat happens at the exam, what 38 CFR Part 4 requires the examiner to record, and what to bring.
Build your prep packet for this conditionOrganize the codes, your symptoms, records, and a body-map into one printable sheet. Private to your device.
Diagnostic code: 5297Condition: Ribs, removal ofRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Non-degenerative Arthritis (including inflammatory, autoimmune, crystalline and infectious arthritis) and Dysbaric Osteonecrosis

Which form the examiner uses

For ribs, removal of (DC 5297), the C&P examiner completes the following Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ):

DBQs are Department of Veterans Affairs Form 21-0960 series documents. Public DBQs are hosted on benefits.va.gov. A handful are examiner-only and are not posted publicly.

Rating Levels for DC 5297

The following tiers are reproduced from 38 CFR Part 4, the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Toggle between the official VA criteria and a Plain English explanation.

Plain-English summaries are AI-generated to explain the official criteria. The official 38 CFR language is the binding legal standard. When in doubt, ask a VSO.

Evidence cited in published BVA decisions for DC 5297

The counts below are aggregated from published Board of Veterans Appeals decisions for this diagnostic code, among issues the Board granted or denied (remanded issues are not included). Each row reports how often a given evidence type was discussed in the decision text, broken down by outcome. This is a factual aggregate of the public record, not a prediction or recommendation about any specific claim.

  • Service treatment records: appeared in 197 granted decisions (426 denied; 623 decided total)
  • Buddy / lay statements: appeared in 118 granted decisions (255 denied; 373 decided total)
  • Medical literature: appeared in 7 granted decisions (19 denied; 26 decided total)
View the full DC 5297 pageSearch BVA decisions for this codeAbout DBQ forms

Disclaimer: This page reproduces public Department of Veterans Affairs forms (DBQs) and verbatim text from 38 CFR Part 4 (the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities). It is informational only and is not legal or medical advice. For guidance on a specific claim, contact a VA-accredited representative.