Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints). It can affect the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, and other joints. Under the VA rating schedule (DC 5019), bursitis is technically listed under the degenerative arthritis schedule, but it is actually rated solely on how it affects range of motion of the applicable joint. The VA does not give separate arthritis-style ratings for bursitis based on major/minor joint groupings. Instead, the veteran is rated under the specific joint's ROM schedule (shoulder, knee, hip, etc.).
VA Rating Levels
Minimum compensable rating. Pain with motion of the affected joint, even if ROM measurements do not reach a higher threshold.
Moderate ROM limitation of the affected joint. For example, shoulder motion limited to shoulder level, or knee flexion limited to 45 degrees.
More significant ROM limitation. Actual percentage depends on the specific joint affected and degree of limitation per that joint's schedule.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Bursitis is rated on how it impacts ROM of the affected joint, NOT under the degenerative arthritis major/minor joint framework. Look at the specific joint's ROM schedule for your rating criteria.
- →Common locations include the shoulder (subacromial bursitis), hip (trochanteric bursitis), knee (prepatellar bursitis), and elbow (olecranon bursitis).
- →Pain with motion warrants at least a minimum compensable rating under the applicable joint schedule.
- →If bursitis affects multiple joints, each joint is rated separately under its own ROM schedule.
- →This condition can be claimed as secondary to repetitive stress, overuse, or as aggravated by other service-connected conditions.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5019