Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic (DC 5003) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 5003 |
|---|---|
| Category | The Musculoskeletal System |
| Subcategory | Acute, Subacute, or Chronic Diseases |
| Also Known As | Degenerative, other than post-traumatic, arthritis, joint pain, degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis, DJD, bone on bone, worn joint, bone spur, bone spurs, bad knees, knee arthritis |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.71a |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Degenerative arthritis is most commonly rated at 10% per major joint or group of minor joints. Each affected joint can be rated separately. X-ray evidence showing arthritis is required.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Conditions Secondary to This
5 linksChronic joint pain and reduced mobility commonly lead to depression
Fear of worsening condition and loss of function causes anxiety
Arthritis in wrist joints can compress the median nerve
Spinal arthritis can compress nerves causing radiculopathy
Reduced mobility leads to weight gain, a primary sleep apnea risk factor
This May Be Secondary To
15 linksFlat feet alter biomechanics and increase stress on knee, hip, and ankle joints, accelerating arthritis.
Prior knee injury is a leading cause of post-traumatic arthritis.
Chronic knee dysfunction can lead to degenerative arthritis over time.
Chronic knee dysfunction can accelerate degenerative arthritis.
Lupus causes joint inflammation and arthritis as one of its primary symptoms.
Lyme disease causes Lyme arthritis — inflammatory joint disease that can persist even after antibiotic treatment.
Altered gait from hip conditions causes compensatory stress on the opposite hip, knees, and ankles, accelerating arthritis.
IBD medications (corticosteroids) and the inflammatory process itself can trigger arthritis and joint pain.
Crohn's disease and its treatment with corticosteroids can trigger arthritis and joint inflammation.
Bunions alter gait mechanics and foot biomechanics, contributing to arthritis in the foot, ankle, and knee.
Hypothyroidism contributes to joint pain and arthritis through metabolic changes, fluid retention, and reduced tissue repair.
Sudden estrogen loss accelerates bone density loss and joint degeneration, leading to osteoarthritis.
Estrogen loss after hysterectomy accelerates osteoarthritis and joint degeneration.
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.