---
title: "DC 5009 - Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)"
diagnostic_code: "5009"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5009-other-specified-forms-of-arthropathy-excluding-gout"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:10:40.008192Z"
---

# DC 5009 - Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)

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 (1): Other specified forms of arthropathy include, but are not limited to, Charcot neuropathic, hypertrophic, crystalline, and other autoimmune arthropathies.
- 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.

# VA Disability Rating: Other Specified Forms of Arthropathy (Diagnostic Code 5009)

**Body System:** Musculoskeletal System
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.71a — Diagnostic Code 5009

---

## What This Condition Covers

"Other specified forms of arthropathy" is a category the VA uses under **Diagnostic Code 5009** for certain types of joint disease that don't fall under a more specific code. According to the VA's own notes, this category includes—but is not limited to:

- **Charcot neuropathic** arthropathy
- **Hypertrophic** arthropathy
- **Crystalline** arthropathy
- **Other autoimmune** arthropathies

Notably, **gout is excluded** from this diagnostic code.

---

## How the VA Rates It

Diagnostic Code 5009 does not have its own standalone rating percentages. Instead, the VA uses a **two-phase approach** that borrows from other diagnostic codes:

### 1. The Acute Phase
During an active, acute phase of the condition, the VA rates it **under Diagnostic Code 5002**.

### 2. Chronic Residuals
Any lasting effects that remain after the acute phase—the **chronic residuals**—are rated **under Diagnostic Code 5003**.

This same framework applies across the related arthritis diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009.

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## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under Diagnostic Code 5009, the VA considers:

- **Whether the condition qualifies** as one of the specified forms of arthropathy (such as Charcot neuropathic, hypertrophic, crystalline, or autoimmune types).
- **Whether the condition is in an acute phase**, which directs the evaluation to Diagnostic Code 5002.
- **Whether there are chronic residuals** remaining, which directs the evaluation to Diagnostic Code 5003.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5009) and is provided for general educational purposes only.*

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