---
title: "DC 5003 - Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic"
diagnostic_code: "5003"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5003-degenerative-arthritis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:08:46.440127Z"
---

# DC 5003 - Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.). When however, the limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved is noncompensable under the appropriate diagnostic codes, a rating of 10 pct is for application for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, to be combined, not added under diagnostic code 5003. Limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. In the absence of limitation of motion, rate as below:

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 20% | With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations |
| 10% | With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups |

## Notes

- Note (1): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion.
- Note (2): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024, inclusive.

# Degenerative Arthritis (Other Than Post-Traumatic) — VA Diagnostic Code 5003

*Musculoskeletal System · Rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## What This Condition Is

Degenerative arthritis is a joint condition established by X-ray findings. Under VA Diagnostic Code 5003, the way this condition is rated depends primarily on how much it limits the motion of the joint or joints involved.

## How the VA Rates It

**Rated first on limitation of motion.** Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings is rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (such as DC 5200 and others).

**When limitation of motion isn't compensable.** When the limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved is noncompensable under the appropriate diagnostic codes, a rating of 10% applies for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion. These are combined — not added — under Diagnostic Code 5003.

Limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion.

## Rating Levels Based on X-Ray Findings

In the absence of limitation of motion, the condition is rated as follows:

| Rating | What the VA Looks For |
|--------|------------------------|
| **20%** | X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations |
| **10%** | X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups |

## Important Notes

- **Note (1):** The 20% and 10% ratings based on X-ray findings above will **not** be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion.
- **Note (2):** The 20% and 10% ratings based on X-ray findings above will **not** be used in rating conditions listed under Diagnostic Codes 5013 to 5024, inclusive.

## Key Takeaways

- X-ray findings are central to establishing this condition.
- The VA looks first at limitation of motion for the specific joint(s) involved.
- Where motion loss is noncompensable, a 10% rating may apply per affected major joint or minor joint group, combined under DC 5003.
- Objective evidence — swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion — is used to confirm limitation of motion.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a