---
title: "DC 5007 - Arthritis, syphilitic"
diagnostic_code: "5007"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5007-arthritis-syphilitic"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:14:54.900210Z"
---

# DC 5007 - Arthritis, syphilitic

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.

# Syphilitic Arthritis (VA Diagnostic Code 5007)

**Understanding how the VA rates syphilitic arthritis under the musculoskeletal rating schedule.**

## What This Condition Is

Syphilitic arthritis is a form of arthritis affecting the musculoskeletal system. Under the VA rating schedule, it is identified by **Diagnostic Code 5007** and is evaluated under the regulations found in **38 CFR § 4.71a**.

## How the VA Rates It

Syphilitic arthritis is one of a group of arthritis types covered by diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009. Rather than having its own standalone rating levels, it is rated by cross-referencing two other diagnostic codes depending on the phase of the condition:

- **Acute phase:** rated under **Diagnostic Code 5002**.
- **Chronic residuals:** rated under **Diagnostic Code 5003**.

This approach is confirmed in the regulation's guidance:

> *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.*

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating syphilitic arthritis, the VA distinguishes between:

- **The acute phase** of the condition, which is rated according to the criteria under Diagnostic Code 5002, and
- **Any chronic residuals** that remain, which are rated according to the criteria under Diagnostic Code 5003.

Because the rating is drawn from these referenced diagnostic codes, the specific level assigned depends on how the condition presents and is evaluated under those criteria.

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*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is based solely on the VA rating schedule entry for Diagnostic Code 5007 (38 CFR § 4.71a). It does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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