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Gout VA Disability Rating
DC 5002/5017 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Gout is typically rated by analogy under Diagnostic Code 5002 (rheumatoid arthritis) or DC 5017 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a. Like RA, it can be rated as an active process or by chronic residuals. Gout is common among veterans due to dietary patterns during service, medication side effects, and kidney-related issues.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100% -- Totally incapacitating with constitutional symptoms
Rate as multi-joint arthritis (DC 5002) when gout involves 2+ joints as active process: constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.
60% -- Severe incapacitating exacerbations 4+ per year
Weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health, OR severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times per year.
40% -- Definite impairment with 3+ exacerbations per year
Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health, objectively supported by examination findings, OR incapacitating exacerbations 3 or more times per year.
20% -- 1-2 exacerbations per year
One or two exacerbations per year in a well-established diagnosis. Between attacks, the joint should be objectively normal or near-normal.
10% -- X-ray evidence with pain on motion
X-ray evidence of urate deposits or tophi in affected joints with painful motion -- rate under DC 5003 analog.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Medical diagnosis of gout with uric acid levels
-Documentation of gout attacks: frequency, duration, joints affected
-Service connection through diet, medications, or kidney condition
-Joint imaging showing tophi or erosive changes
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Track every gout attack: date, duration, joints affected, medication used, days of incapacitation.
2.The number of exacerbations per year drives the rating — detailed tracking is essential.
3.If gout is secondary to a medication for a service-connected condition, document the medication nexus.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.71a, DC 5017; Note to DCs 5013-5024
Evaluate gout (DC 5017) as degenerative arthritis based on limitation of motion. When 2+ joints involved as active process, rate under DC 5002 (multi-joint arthritis).
DOLLAR IMPACT
Gout at 20-40% ($345-795/mo) plus affected joint ratings and secondary conditions can build a significant combined rating.
RELATED CONDITION GUIDES
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026