Degenerative Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5003 and 5010. This is generally a rating of last resort. If the veteran's arthritis causes reduced range of motion of a compensable degree (10% or more) or pain with movement, the veteran will be rated under the applicable joint schedule instead. The arthritis rating under 5003 only applies when the joint-specific schedule does not produce a compensable rating. X-ray evidence of arthritis is required. Most veterans will be rated under the joint schedules, not under arthritis, as the joint schedules typically produce a higher combined evaluation. A veteran cannot receive both a ROM rating and a separate arthritis rating for the same joint.
VA Rating Levels
2 or more major joints (ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist) or 2 or more minor joint groups affected.
2 or more major joints with occasional incapacitating episodes, or 2 or more minor joint groups with occasional incapacitating episodes.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Most veterans end up with a higher combined evaluation by being rated under the individual joint schedules rather than a single arthritis rating.
- →You can't receive both a range-of-motion rating and a separate arthritis rating for the same joint. That would be considered pyramiding.
- →An arthritis diagnosis requires X-ray evidence to be established.
- →Arthritis qualifies as a presumptive condition if it's diagnosed within one year of separation and warrants at least a 10% rating.
- →Former POWs who develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis may qualify for presumptive service connection as well.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5003/5010