Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5002)
The VA rates Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5002, from 20% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating. Related conditions in the Musculoskeletal body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis
Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year
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
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?
How does the VA rate Musculoskeletal conditions?
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 disability rating 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 the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 5002?
Diagnostic Code 5002 is the VA rating identifier for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
The highest schedular rating for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process under DC 5002 is 100%. This tier requires: With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process ratings?
Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5002. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
Conditions commonly secondary to Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process include: Diabetes Mellitus / Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia, Interstitial Lung Disease / Pulmonary Fibrosis, Osteoporosis / Avascular Necrosis (Steroid-Induced). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process?
Service connection for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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