Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5002: Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 20% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process under diagnostic code 5002 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5002 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis What raters look fordocumented diagnosis; 1-2 flares/year; intermittent medication |
| 40% | Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year What raters look for3+ exacerbations/year; definite health impairment; ongoing medication; exam findings support |
| 60% | Less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods What raters look for4+ exacerbations/year; weight loss; anemia; biologic therapy; severe health impairment |
| 100% | Constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating What raters look fortotally incapacitating; active disease despite max treatment; constitutional symptoms |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Psoriatic Arthritis. The Psoriatic Arthritis condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Psoriatic Arthritis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 95 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Psoriatic Arthritis as the primary issue. The Psoriatic Arthritis condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Psoriatic Arthritis appeals generally rather than DC 5002 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5002?
Diagnostic code 5002 is the VA rating schedule entry for Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5002?
DC 5002 provides ratings of 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5002 require?
The 100% rating for Multi-joint arthritis requires: Constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.