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Home / VA Ratings A–Z / Degenerative Arthritis

VA Rating for Degenerative Arthritis

DC 5003 Max schedular: 20% Category: Musculoskeletal Updated for 2026 rates
The Official Criteria

Degenerative Arthritis Rating Chart

Criteria from 38 CFR Part 4 (DC 5003). Pay shown is the 2026 monthly rate for a veteran alone at that percentage by itself.

RatingWhat qualifies2026 monthly pay*
20%X-ray involvement of 2 or more major joints or minor joint groups WITH occasional incapacitating exacerbations (when limitation of motion is non-compensable).$356.66
10%X-ray involvement of 2 or more major joints or minor joint groups; or satisfactory evidence of painful motion in a joint with x-ray-confirmed arthritis.$180.42

*Rate for that single rating with no dependents. Your combined rating and household may differ — run your exact numbers in our calculator.

How the VA Rates Degenerative Arthritis

DC 5003 is the fallback when arthritis is confirmed by x-ray but motion isn't limited enough to rate under the joint's own code. Rate under limitation of motion first if compensable; each affected major joint with painful motion earns at least 10% under § 4.59.

Evidence That Wins This Claim

  • Rate each joint under its own motion code when possible — usually pays more than DC 5003.
  • X-ray evidence + painful motion = minimum 10% per joint.
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