---
title: "DC 5004 - Arthritis, gonorrheal"
diagnostic_code: "5004"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5004-arthritis-gonorrheal"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:13:43.035953Z"
---

# DC 5004 - Arthritis, gonorrheal

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

With the types of arthritis, diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009, rate the acute phase under diagnostic code 5002; rate any chronic residuals under diagnostic code 5003.

## Rating criteria

No itemised criteria have been extracted for this code. Use the official source.

## Notes

- Note (2): With the types of arthritis, diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009, rate the acute phase under diagnostic code 5002; rate any chronic residuals under diagnostic code 5003.

# Gonorrheal Arthritis (VA Diagnostic Code 5004)

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

## What This Condition Is

Gonorrheal arthritis is a form of arthritis listed among the infectious and related arthritis conditions in the VA rating schedule (diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009). Like other conditions in this group, it can involve an active, symptomatic period as well as lasting effects that remain after the acute phase settles down.

## How the VA Rates It

Diagnostic Code 5004 does not use its own standalone set of rating percentages. Instead, the VA applies a two-part approach depending on which phase of the condition is being evaluated:

- **Acute phase** — rated using the criteria under **Diagnostic Code 5002**.
- **Chronic residuals** — rated using the criteria under **Diagnostic Code 5003**.

This means that whether your condition is currently active or has left lasting effects can determine which set of criteria the VA uses to evaluate it.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating gonorrheal arthritis, the VA distinguishes between:

1. **The acute phase of the condition** — evaluated under the framework for Diagnostic Code 5002.
2. **Any chronic residuals** — evaluated under the framework for Diagnostic Code 5003.

### From the Rating Schedule Notes

> **Note (2):** With the types of arthritis, diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009, rate the acute phase under diagnostic code 5002; rate any chronic residuals under diagnostic code 5003.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.71a) for informational purposes. Individual evaluations depend on the specific medical evidence in each case.*

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