Diagnostic Code 5017: Gout Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10%
- Rating levels
- 1
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Gout under diagnostic code 5017 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 5017 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Rated as degenerative arthritis on the basis of limitation of motion; when limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved is noncompensable under the appropriate diagnostic codes, 10 percent for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion What raters look forlimitation of motion of the affected joint; noncompensable limitation of motion confirmed by swelling, muscle spasm, or painful motion |
DC 5017 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 259 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5017 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 32.4%, denied 46.3% and sent 21.2% 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 5017 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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 Gout. The Gout condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Gout appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 2,013 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Gout, 2021 to 2026. The Gout 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 Gout appeals generally rather than DC 5017 specifically. The DC 5017 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 5017?
Diagnostic code 5017 is the VA rating schedule entry for 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 5017?
DC 5017 provides ratings of 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5017 require?
The 10% rating for Gout requires: Rated as degenerative arthritis on the basis of limitation of motion; when limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved is noncompensable under the appropriate diagnostic codes, 10 percent for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5017?
In 256 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5017 from 2021 to 2026, 31.6% were granted, 46.9% denied and 21.5% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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.