What happens during a C&P exam for Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal)?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal)?

Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) (DC 5299) is rated at 10%, 20% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299. X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations; or painful motion of affected joint(s).

Q: What rates 10% for Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 10% rating for Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) requires: X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations; or painful motion of affected joint(s).

Q: What rates 20% for Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 20% rating for Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) requires: X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. Also rated on limitation of motion of specific joint if compensable.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 5299 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 | 

Marfan Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5299 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 across 2 severity tiers (10% / 20%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

OVERVIEW

Hereditary connective tissue disorder affecting the skeleton (tall stature, long limbs, scoliosis), heart, and eyes due to fibrillin deficiency

RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)

10%

X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations; or painful motion of affected joint(s).

20%

X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. Also rated on limitation of motion of specific joint if compensable.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

-Range of motion measurements

-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

-Buddy statements describing limitations

-Prescription history

-Physical therapy records

-Employment impact documentation

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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SOURCES & EDITORIAL

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

→ View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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