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) |
|---|---|
| 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.
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.
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 |
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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