Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic DC 5003
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5003 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Other.
Also searched as: arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, DJD.
How VA rates it
The schedule has no fixed list of levels for this code, so any level from 0% to 100% can apply.
Rated on limitation of motion of each joint, or 10% or 20% from X-rays when motion is not limited.
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 20% | With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations |
| 10% | With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.). When however, the limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved is noncompensable under the appropriate diagnostic codes, a rating of 10 pct is for application for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, to be combined, not added under diagnostic code 5003. Limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. In the absence of limitation of motion, rate as below:
Notes in the schedule (2)
Note (1): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion.
Note (2): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024, inclusive.
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Chronic diseases that show up within a year of discharge
Covered: Arthritis.
Time limit: At least 10% disabling within 1 year of discharge.
Who qualifies: 90 days or more of continuous active service during a war period or after December 31, 1946, and the disease reached at least 10% disabling within 1 year of leaving service (3 years for tuberculosis and Hansen's disease, 7 years for multiple sclerosis).
38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) and 3.309(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B: Conditions of the auditory system
Related medications
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
Show 18 medications
- Celecoxib (Celebrex, Elyxyb). FDA labels: Celecoxib (DailyMed)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam). FDA labels: Diclofenac (DailyMed)
- Diclofenac and misoprostol (Arthrotec). FDA labels: Diclofenac and misoprostol (DailyMed)
- Diflunisal. FDA labels: Diflunisal (DailyMed)
- Esomeprazole and naproxen (Vimovo). FDA labels: Esomeprazole and naproxen (DailyMed)
- Etodolac (Lodine). FDA labels: Etodolac (DailyMed)
- Famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis). FDA labels: Famotidine and ibuprofen (DailyMed)
- Flurbiprofen (Ansaid). FDA labels: Flurbiprofen (DailyMed)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). FDA labels: Ibuprofen (DailyMed)
- Indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex). FDA labels: Indomethacin (DailyMed)
- Ketoprofen. FDA labels: Ketoprofen (DailyMed)
- Meloxicam (Mobic, Vivlodex). FDA labels: Meloxicam (DailyMed)
- Nabumetone (Relafen). FDA labels: Nabumetone (DailyMed)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). FDA labels: Naproxen (DailyMed)
- Oxaprozin (Daypro, Coxanto). FDA labels: Oxaprozin (DailyMed)
- Piroxicam (Feldene). FDA labels: Piroxicam (DailyMed)
- Sulindac. FDA labels: Sulindac (DailyMed)
- Triamcinolone (Nasacort, Kenalog). FDA labels: Triamcinolone (DailyMed)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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