Claim Raven explanation
What this means
This rule addresses certain disabling arthritis associated with a service-incurred lower-extremity amputation or shortening. The location of the arthritis and whether the joint is subject to the resulting strain matter.
The text does not treat arthritis in every other joint as service connected simply because an amputation exists. It calls for an adequate examination and attention to the affected joints and their relationship to the injury.
How this helps your claim
This helps you locate the medical explanation of altered strain and the specific joints involved. A diagnosis of arthritis by itself does not explain that relationship.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Identify the service-related amputation or shortening and its location.
- Find imaging and examination findings for the affected arthritic joints.
- Look for medical discussion of altered strain and the pattern of arthritis.
Identify the joint affected by the documented strain
This rule concerns specified arthritis related to a lower-extremity amputation or shortening. The location of the joint and the mechanical relationship matter. A record noting arthritis somewhere in the body should not be assumed to establish that relationship.
Keep the amputation or shortening findings, gait assessment and affected-joint evidence together. A medical explanation can help identify which joints bear the relevant strain. Distinguish that supported relationship from a general assumption that every later arthritic condition arose from the original injury.
Does an amputation make arthritis in every joint service connected?
No. The provision is limited by the relationship and locations it describes. Other joints require their own applicable analysis and evidence. The useful role of this reference is directing attention to a potentially relevant mechanical connection, not creating a universal presumption for all arthritis.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 4.58
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 4.58 Arthritis due to strain.
With service incurred lower extremity amputation or shortening, a disabling arthritis, developing in the same extremity, or in both lower extremities, with indications of earlier, or more severe, arthritis in the injured extremity, including also arthritis of the lumbosacral joints and lumbar spine, if associated with the leg amputation or shortening, will be considered as service incurred, provided, however, that arthritis affecting joints not directly subject to strain as a result of the service incurred amputation will not be granted service connection. This will generally require separate evaluation of the arthritis in the joints directly subject to strain. Amputation, or injury to an upper extremity, is not considered as a causative factor with subsequently developing arthritis, except in joints subject to direct strain or actually injured.
Related references
- 38 CFR § 4.1: What a VA disability rating measures
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
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