Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process
The VA rates Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process under Diagnostic Code 5002 across 4 severity levels, from 20% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 3 documented secondary conditions linked to Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process.
Rating schedule — DC 5002 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 3
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis |
| 40% | Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year |
| 60% | Less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods |
| 100% | With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating |
“Less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
View 3 secondary conditions linked to Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
The VA rates Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process under Diagnostic Code 5002 at 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 20% rating requires: One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis. The maximum 100% rating requires: With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
The VA rates Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5002, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 20% and a 100% rating for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
A 20% rating requires: One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis. A 100% rating requires: With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
The key evidence for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process 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.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process is associated with 3 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5002 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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