Claim Raven explanation
What this means
VA joint evaluations consider more than a single movement number. The rule lists factors such as restricted or excessive movement, weakness, fatigue, poor coordination, pain, swelling, deformity, and atrophy.
These factors help describe how the joint functions in ordinary use. Their effect on a particular rating depends on the applicable diagnostic code and the supported findings, including the requirements of related rating rules.
How this helps your claim
This helps you check whether the examination explains the relevant joint limitations. Specific examples can clarify a missing description without replacing the clinician's measurements or medical conclusions.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Review findings on movement, weakness, fatigue, and coordination.
- Look for documented pain, swelling, instability, or changes with use.
- Compare the affected joints and sides with the codes in the decision.
Explain the joint's behavior during ordinary use
A joint may move differently after repeated activity or during a flare than at the start of an appointment. Describe what changes, how often it happens and which activities are affected. Keep those observations separate from measurements that only an examination can establish.
The regulation also identifies major and minor joint groupings relevant to rating. Use the actual joint and code involved rather than transferring a rule from a different body area. Weakness, swelling and instability should be documented as distinct findings where the record supports them.
Does every listed joint factor create a separate rating?
No. The factors help describe disability, but separate evaluations depend on the applicable codes and rules against duplicate compensation. Listing pain, fatigue and weakness does not automatically create three awards. The evaluation should reflect their supported effects in the governing rating framework.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 4.45
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 4.45 The joints.
As regards the joints the factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. Inquiry will be directed to these considerations:
(a) Less movement than normal (due to ankylosis, limitation or blocking, adhesions, tendon-tie-up, contracted scars, etc.).
(b) More movement than normal (from flail joint, resections, nonunion of fracture, relaxation of ligaments, etc.).
(c) Weakened movement (due to muscle injury, disease or injury of peripheral nerves, divided or lengthened tendons, etc.).
(d) Excess fatigability.
(e) Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly.
(f) Pain on movement, swelling, deformity or atrophy of disuse. Instability of station, disturbance of locomotion, interference with sitting, standing and weight-bearing are related considerations. For the purpose of rating disability from arthritis, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are considered major joints; multiple involvements of the interphalangeal, metacarpal and carpal joints of the upper extremities, the interphalangeal, metatarsal and tarsal joints of the lower extremities, the cervical vertebrae, the dorsal vertebrae, and the lumbar vertebrae, are considered groups of minor joints, ratable on a parity with major joints. The lumbosacral articulation and both sacroiliac joints are considered to be a group of minor joints, ratable on disturbance of lumbar spine functions.
Related references
- 38 CFR § 4.1: What a VA disability rating measures
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
Ready to review your own document? Start your free claim review.