Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5003: Degenerative Arthritis / Osteoarthritis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10% to 20%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Degenerative Arthritis / Osteoarthritis under diagnostic code 5003 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 5003 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups What raters look forX-ray confirmed; 2+ joints involved; occasional pain |
| 20% | X-ray evidence with occasional incapacitating exacerbations What raters look forincapacitating episodes; multiple joints; regular medication needed |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Arthritis. The Arthritis condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Other conditions rated under this code: Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankle, Shoulder.
What happens to Arthritis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 753 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Arthritis as the primary issue. The 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 Arthritis appeals generally rather than DC 5003 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5003?
Diagnostic code 5003 is the VA rating schedule entry for Degenerative Arthritis / Osteoarthritis, 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 5003?
DC 5003 provides ratings of 10%, 20%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5003 require?
The 20% rating for Degenerative Arthritis / Osteoarthritis requires: X-ray evidence with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.