Gout — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Gout (DC 5017) is rated using the criteria of DC 5002 (rheumatoid arthritis). Under DC 5002, rate either on the active process (the ratings above) OR on chronic residuals (limitation of motion / ankylosis of affected joints under the appropriate diagnostic codes) — whichever yields the higher evaluation. Do NOT combine the active-process rating with the chronic-residuals rating.
• For chronic residuals rated on limitation of motion, if the limitation of motion is noncompensable (0%) under the applicable joint code, DC 5003 permits a 10% (one major joint or group of minor joints) or 20% (two or more major joints/groups with occasional incapacitating exacerbations) rating.
• The 20% and higher active-process tiers under DC 5002 are NOT combined with ratings for limitation of motion of the same joints — use whichever method (active process vs. chronic residuals) is higher.
• Document frequency of gout flares (exacerbations) per year and whether they are 'incapacitating' or 'severely incapacitating,' since exacerbation frequency drives the 40% and 60% tiers.
• Constitutional manifestations (weight loss, anemia) and their effect on overall health are key discriminators between the 40%, 60%, and 100% tiers.

Evidence that helps

• Confirmed diagnosis of gout / gouty arthritis (elevated serum uric acid, joint aspiration showing monosodium urate crystals, or imaging/clinical documentation)
• Documentation of frequency of exacerbations (flares) per year and their severity
• Physician statements describing 'incapacitating' vs. 'severely incapacitating' exacerbations and any prescribed bed rest
• Objective examination findings of joint involvement (swelling, tophi, deformity, limitation of motion, ankylosis)
• Range-of-motion measurements for each affected joint (for chronic-residuals rating pathway)
• Evidence of constitutional symptoms: documented weight loss, anemia (CBC labs), and overall impairment of health
• Treatment records (medications such as colchicine, allopurinol, corticosteroids; response and side effects)
• Lay statements documenting frequency/duration of flares and functional impact during flares

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

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

• Degenerative arthritis — Chronic gout is rated on the arthritis criteria and commonly damages the joints it attacks.
• Knee — Gouty arthritis frequently involves the knees and other weight-bearing joints.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for gout?

The VA rates gout under 38 CFR diagnostic code 5017. The rating tiers are: 20% — As rheumatoid (autoimmune) arthritis under DC 5002 active process: one or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis.; 40% — Active process with symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings, or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year.; 60% — Active process that is less than the 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% — Active process with constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is gout?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Gout can be rated from 20% to 100%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a gout VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Confirmed diagnosis of gout / gouty arthritis (elevated serum uric acid, joint aspiration showing monosodium urate crystals, or imaging/clinical documentation); Documentation of frequency of exacerbations (flares) per year and their severity; Physician statements describing 'incapacitating' vs. 'severely incapacitating' exacerbations and any prescribed bed rest; Objective examination findings of joint involvement (swelling, tophi, deformity, limitation of motion, ankylosis); Range-of-motion measurements for each affected joint (for chronic-residuals rating pathway); Evidence of constitutional symptoms: documented weight loss, anemia (CBC labs), and overall impairment of health; Treatment records (medications such as colchicine, allopurinol, corticosteroids; response and side effects); Lay statements documenting frequency/duration of flares and functional impact during flares.

How do I get the correct rating for gout?

To be rated accurately: Gout (DC 5017) is rated using the criteria of DC 5002 (rheumatoid arthritis). Under DC 5002, rate either on the active process (the ratings above) OR on chronic residuals (limitation of motion / ankylosis of affected joints under the appropriate diagnostic codes) — whichever yields the higher evaluation. Do NOT combine the active-process rating with the chronic-residuals rating.; For chronic residuals rated on limitation of motion, if the limitation of motion is noncompensable (0%) under the applicable joint code, DC 5003 permits a 10% (one major joint or group of minor joints) or 20% (two or more major joints/groups with occasional incapacitating exacerbations) rating.; The 20% and higher active-process tiers under DC 5002 are NOT combined with ratings for limitation of motion of the same joints — use whichever method (active process vs. chronic residuals) is higher.; Document frequency of gout flares (exacerbations) per year and whether they are 'incapacitating' or 'severely incapacitating,' since exacerbation frequency drives the 40% and 60% tiers.; Constitutional manifestations (weight loss, anemia) and their effect on overall health are key discriminators between the 40%, 60%, and 100% tiers..