Osteomalacia

Fracture - Osteomalacia Factor

Osteomalacia is a metabolic bone disease resulting from vitamin D deficiency, or interference with the absorption of vitamin D.  It is called rickets in children.  Demineralisation occurs, particularly in the spine, pelvis and lower extremities.  As the bones soften, weight may cause bowing of the long bones, vertical shortening of the vertebrae, and flattening of the pelvis.  Diagnosis is by blood and urine tests, and bone biopsy and X-rays.

Symptoms

• Diffuse bone pain, especially in the hips
• Muscle weakness
• Bone fractures with minimal trauma

Osteomalacia should not be confused with osteoporosis, which is a disease of normal mineralisation but decreased amounts of bone.

Last reviewed for CCPS 24 May 2007.

Preliminary questions [37066]

37067 there is some evidence that osteomalacia may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

5717     the veteran has had osteomalacia at some time.

37068 the osteomalacia involved side and site of the body

37069 the veteran had osteomalacia involving side and site of the body at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration

37070  the veteran has established the causal connection between the osteomalacia and VEA service for the clinical onset of the fracture.

37071   the veteran has established the causal connection between the osteomalacia and operational service for the clinical onset of the fracture.

or

37072   the veteran has established the causal connection between the osteomalacia and eligible service for the clinical onset of the fracture.

Clinical onset and operational service [37071]

37073  the osteomalacia is causally related to operational service

Clinical onset and eligible service [37072]

37074  the osteomalacia is causally related to eligible service