Post-traumatic arthritis
The VA rates Post-traumatic arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5010 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 20%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Arthritis due to Trauma (Traumatic Arthritis).
Rating schedule — DC 5010 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- Part 4, DC 5010
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Post-traumatic arthritis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Traumatic arthritis with X-ray evidence of arthritis: with occasional painful episodes and no more than slight limitation of motion; or established by X-ray findings, with at least one-half inch or more shortening of the affected extremity. Note: Rated the same as DC 5003 (degenerative arthritis). X-ray evidence required. Minor joints rated under limitation of motion codes. |
| 20% | Traumatic arthritis of two or more major joints, or two or more minor joint groups, with X-ray evidence and with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. Note: May be rated by analogy to the most applicable specific joint code. |
“Traumatic arthritis of two or more major joints, or two or more minor joint groups, with X-ray evidence and with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Post-traumatic arthritis in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5000Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronicRated up to 100%
- 5001Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactiveRated up to 100%
- 5002Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active processRated up to 100%
- 5003Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumaticRated up to 20%
- 5009Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)Rated up to 0%
- 5012Bones, neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondaryRated up to 100%
- 5025Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)Rated up to 40%
- 5051Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5052Elbow replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5053Wrist replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
Common Questions About Post-traumatic arthritis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Post-traumatic arthritis?
The VA rates Post-traumatic arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5010 at 10%, 20%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Traumatic arthritis with X-ray evidence of arthritis: with occasional painful episodes and no more than slight limitation of motion; or established by X-ray findings, with at least one-half inch or more shortening of the affected extremity.. The maximum 20% rating requires: Traumatic arthritis of two or more major joints, or two or more minor joint groups, with X-ray evidence and with occasional incapacitating exacerbations..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Post-traumatic arthritis?
The VA rates Post-traumatic arthritis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5010, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5010. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 20% rating for Post-traumatic arthritis?
A 10% rating requires: Traumatic arthritis with X-ray evidence of arthritis: with occasional painful episodes and no more than slight limitation of motion; or established by X-ray findings, with at least one-half inch or more shortening of the affected extremity.. A 20% rating requires: Traumatic arthritis of two or more major joints, or two or more minor joint groups, with X-ray evidence and with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Post-traumatic arthritis qualify for TDIU?
Post-traumatic arthritis maxes at 20%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Post-traumatic arthritis?
The key evidence for Post-traumatic arthritis is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Post-traumatic arthritis?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5010 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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