This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic
Musculoskeletal · 38 CFR § 4.71a
Diagnostic Code 5003 is the VASRD entry for Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic. VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
Recorded index labels
These labels are already stored for this diagnostic code. They are not a new condition, rating, or medical relationship.
Appendix C
- Degenerative, other than post-traumatic
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this diagnostic code
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations
With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups
Rate-under relationships
Rate under / reference DC 5200
rative 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
Special rating instructions
- 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:
Regulatory notes
- 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.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Musculoskeletal
Anatomy / region tags: multi region
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- Amputations ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Ankle ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Bones and Other Skeletal Conditions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Elbow & Forearm ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Foot Conditions Including Flatfoot (Pes Planus) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Hand and Finger ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Hip and Thigh ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Knee and Lower Leg ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Muscle Injuries ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Neck (Cervical Spine) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Osteomyelitis ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Shoulder and/or Arm ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Temporomandibular Disorders ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Wrist ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Musculoskeletal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Arthritis ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Rheumatological
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Rheumatological
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other Autoimmune Diseases ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Rheumatological
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Related diagnostic codes
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.71a · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1