Conditions / Musculoskeletal
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5003 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for Degenerative arthritis
VA rates Degenerative arthritis under diagnostic code 5003 (Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic) at 2 levels from 10% to 20%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 20%, $356.66 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 5003
- 2Highest level 20% · $356.66
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 5003
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 20% | Without limitation of motion: X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. |
| 10% | Without limitation of motion: X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups. Also 10% for each major joint or group of minor joints with X-ray-confirmed arthritis whose limitation of motion is noncompensable, when the limited motion is objectively confirmed (swelling, muscle spasm or satisfactory evidence of painful motion). |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system, diagnostic code 5003, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- Arthritis confirmed by X-ray is rated first on the limitation of motion of the joint involved, under that joint's own diagnostic code.
- The 10% ratings for each joint are combined, not added.
- The 20% and 10% X-ray ratings are not combined with ratings based on limitation of motion, and are not used for codes 5013 to 5024.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | 28 → 30% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
Every compensable level of this code is below 30%, so on its own it is paid at the flat 10% or 20% rate and dependents add nothing; combined with other ratings it can still lift the total past 30%. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $176.24 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
No level of this code reaches the 40% that 38 CFR 4.16(a) looks for in one disability, so it adds to a combined rating rather than anchoring one. A rating under DC 5003 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Shoulder replacement (DC 5051)
- Hip replacement (DC 5054)
- Knee replacement (DC 5055)
- Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion (DC 5201)
- Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206)
Pay at the top level: 20% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5003. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.