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Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process
Diagnostic code 5002 · Musculoskeletal system · 38 CFR 4.71a
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.71a. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 5002 Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process: | |
| With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating | 100 |
| 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 | 60 |
| Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year | 40 |
| One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis | 20 |
| Note (1): Examples of conditions rated using this diagnostic code include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies. | |
| Note (2): For chronic residuals, rate under diagnostic code 5003. | |
| Note (3): The ratings for the active process will not be combined with the residual ratings for limitation of motion, ankylosis, or diagnostic code 5003. Instead, assign the higher evaluation. |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Note (2): With the types of arthritis, diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009, rate the acute phase under diagnostic code 5002; rate any chronic residuals under diagnostic code 5003.
Under diagnostic code 5009 (Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout))
Related codes in the regulation
- 5003 Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumaticRated using
- 5003 Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumaticMentioned together
- 5009 Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)Mentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
- Arthritis (PDF, VA)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other Autoimmune Diseases (PDF, VA) · Also used
- Shoulder and/or Arm (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
- Elbow & Forearm (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
- Wrist (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
- Hand and Finger (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
- Hip and Thigh (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
- Knee and Lower Leg (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
- Ankle (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
- Foot Conditions Including Flatfoot (Pes Planus) (PDF, VA) · Depending on the body part
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.71a, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Evaluation March 1, 1963; title, criteria, note February 7, 2021.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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