Rheumatoid Arthritis (Multi-Joint Arthritis)
Rheumatoid and other multi-joint arthritis conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5002/5004-5009 based on the frequency of incapacitating episodes and overall health impact. This includes autoimmune arthropathies, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Veterans with degenerative or post-traumatic arthritis are NOT rated under this schedule. Veterans cannot get separate ratings for these conditions under this schedule, limitation of motion, and frozen joints; whichever produces the highest rating is used. If the veteran no longer rates at least 20% under this schedule, they will be rated under degenerative arthritis, limitation of motion, or frozen joints instead.
VA Rating Levels
One or two incapacitating episodes a year.
Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings, or incapacitating episodes occurring 3 or more times a year.
Weight loss, anemia, and overall severe decrease in health but not complete incapacitation, or severe incapacitating episodes 4 or more times a year.
Cannot function at all.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →This schedule covers multiple forms of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid, psoriatic, gout-related, and autoimmune arthritis.
- →You can't stack ratings under this schedule, limitation of motion, and frozen joints all at once. The VA will use whichever method produces the highest rating.
- →If you no longer qualify for at least 20% under this schedule, you'll be moved over to the degenerative arthritis or individual joint schedules instead.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5002/5004-5009