Tuberculosis of bones and joints

For an active rating, medical records that confirm a current, active tuberculosis infection of a bone or joint are central. This includes positive cultures, imaging such as X-rays or MRI showing active bone or joint involvement, biopsy results, and treating physician notes documenting active disease and ongoing treatment.

For an inactive rating, the evidence shifts toward documenting the lasting effects left behind after the infection has resolved. Records showing the extent of bone or joint damage, range-of-motion measurements, surgical or treatment history, and imaging showing structural changes all help establish what residual disability remains. Statements from you or people who know you that describe how the damage to the bone or joint affects your ability to work, move, or carry out daily tasks can also help show the functional impact of any residuals that are rated under the criteria referenced at §§ 4.88c and 4.89.