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 forwell-established diagnosis; one or two exacerbations a year |
| 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 fordefinite impairment of health supported by examination findings; incapacitating exacerbations 3 or more times a year |
| 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 forweight loss and anemia; severe impairment of health; severely incapacitating exacerbations 4 or more times a year; a lesser number of exacerbations over prolonged periods |
| 100% | With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating What raters look forconstitutional manifestations; active joint involvement; totally incapacitating |
DC 5002 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 136 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5002 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 24.3%, denied 32.4% and sent 43.4% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5002 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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.
Other conditions rated under this code: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis.
What happens to Psoriatic Arthritis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 520 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Psoriatic Arthritis, 2021 to 2026. The Psoriatic Arthritis condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Psoriatic Arthritis appeals generally rather than DC 5002 specifically. The DC 5002 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. 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: With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5002?
In 136 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5002 from 2021 to 2026, 24.3% were granted, 32.4% denied and 43.4% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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