Degenerative Arthritis — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Under DC 5003, always rate the limitation of motion of the affected joint FIRST under its specific diagnostic code (e.g., 5260/5261 for the knee, 5251-5253 for the hip, 5237/5242 for the spine). DC 5003 is a fallback used only when that limitation of motion is noncompensable.
• The 10%-per-joint pathway requires the limitation of motion to be objectively confirmed — by swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion (Note under DC 5003).
• Document painful motion carefully: under 38 CFR 4.59, actually painful joints are entitled to at least the minimum compensable (10%) rating for the joint. This works alongside DC 5003.
• The 20% X-ray-based rating requires 'occasional incapacitating exacerbations' — make sure the record describes distinct flare episodes, not just chronic pain.
• The X-ray-based ratings (10%/20%) apply only when limitation of motion is noncompensable; they cannot be pyramided on top of a compensable limitation-of-motion rating for the same joint (38 CFR 4.14, anti-pyramiding).
• Consider DeLuca factors (38 CFR 4.40 & 4.45): functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, and loss of motion on repetitive use — these can raise the effective limitation-of-motion rating.
• Each major joint or minor joint group affected can support its own 10% rating under the limitation-of-motion pathway; identify and separately evaluate each joint.

Evidence that helps

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Degenerative Arthritis — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• Knee — Degenerative arthritis is confirmed by X-ray and commonly affects the knees.
• Hip — Arthritis of the hip is a frequent secondary to an altered gait.
• Lumbar spine — Degenerative disc/joint disease of the spine is a common presentation.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for degenerative arthritis?

The VA rates degenerative arthritis under 38 CFR diagnostic code 5003. The rating tiers are: 0% — Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings, but with noncompensable limitation of motion (or full range of motion) confirmed by the applicable diagnostic codes for the joint(s) involved. Rate the underlying limitation of motion first under the appropriate joint-specific DC; DC 5003 applies only when limitation of motion is noncompensable.; 10% — TWO PATHWAYS: (A) Limitation of motion of a specific joint or group of minor joints that is objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion, but the limitation is noncompensable under the appropriate joint DC — rate 10% for EACH such major joint or group of minor joints affected. OR (B) X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups — rate 10%.; 20% — X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, WITH occasional incapacitating exacerbations. NOTE: The 10% and 20% ratings under this X-ray pathway (Notes 1 & 2) will not be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion; and they will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under DCs 5013 through 5024.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is degenerative arthritis?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Degenerative Arthritis can be rated from 0% to 20%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

How do I get the correct rating for degenerative arthritis?

To be rated accurately: Under DC 5003, always rate the limitation of motion of the affected joint FIRST under its specific diagnostic code (e.g., 5260/5261 for the knee, 5251-5253 for the hip, 5237/5242 for the spine). DC 5003 is a fallback used only when that limitation of motion is noncompensable.; The 10%-per-joint pathway requires the limitation of motion to be objectively confirmed — by swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion (Note under DC 5003).; Document painful motion carefully: under 38 CFR 4.59, actually painful joints are entitled to at least the minimum compensable (10%) rating for the joint. This works alongside DC 5003.; The 20% X-ray-based rating requires 'occasional incapacitating exacerbations' — make sure the record describes distinct flare episodes, not just chronic pain.; The X-ray-based ratings (10%/20%) apply only when limitation of motion is noncompensable; they cannot be pyramided on top of a compensable limitation-of-motion rating for the same joint (38 CFR 4.14, anti-pyramiding).; Consider DeLuca factors (38 CFR 4.40 & 4.45): functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, and loss of motion on repetitive use — these can raise the effective limitation-of-motion rating.; Each major joint or minor joint group affected can support its own 10% rating under the limitation-of-motion pathway; identify and separately evaluate each joint..