All VA diagnostic codes › §4.71a
38 CFR Diagnostic Code 5003 — Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic
Rating schedule §4.71a — § 4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system.
| Rating | Criteria (38 CFR §4.71a) |
|---|---|
| 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: | |
| 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 |
Notes in the regulation
- 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.
Amendment history. eCFR records changes to the section holding this code on the dates below, with the differing passage within a few lines of code 5003. The criteria in force on a claim’s filing or decision date can govern it.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
- 2021-02-08 — §4.71a amended near code 5003 (text as amended)
Source. Quoted from 38 CFR Part 4, the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, as published by the eCFR for 2026-07-01. We quote the regulation rather than paraphrase it. The rating schedule changes; check the eCFR link for the current text.
This is reference information, not a rating decision and not legal advice. What a claim actually receives depends on the evidence of record.
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