What rates 20% for Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5003?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5003 (DC 5003), a 20% rating for Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) requires: X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.

What happens during a C&P exam for Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)?

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) (DC 5003) is rated at 10%, 20% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5003. X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups. Or, when limitation of motion is noncompensable, 10% for each major joint or group of minor joints.

Q: What rates 10% for Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5003?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5003 (DC 5003), a 10% rating for Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) requires: X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups. Or, when limitation of motion is noncompensable, 10% for each major joint or group of minor joints.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 500338 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5003

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

10–20%

2 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5003 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5003 across 2 severity tiers (10% / 20%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Progressive wear-and-tear degeneration of joint cartilage causing pain, stiffness, bone spurs, and reduced range of motion

Rating Criteria

10%

X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups. Or, when limitation of motion is noncompensable, 10% for each major joint or group of minor joints.

20%

X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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