Diagnostic Code 5009: Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 20% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout) under diagnostic code 5009 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 5009 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 |
| 100% | With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating What raters look forconstitutional manifestations; active joint involvement; totally incapacitating |
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5009?
Diagnostic code 5009 is the VA rating schedule entry for Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout), 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 5009?
DC 5009 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 5009 require?
The 100% rating for Other specified forms of arthropathy requires: With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating.
Free help filing a claim
An accredited veterans service officer (VSO) can file your claim and represent you at no cost. Find a VSO office near you, with phone numbers and addresses in all 50 states and DC.