---
title: "DC 5010 - Post-traumatic arthritis"
diagnostic_code: "5010"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5010-post-traumatic-arthritis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:10:57.095692Z"
---

# DC 5010 - Post-traumatic arthritis

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

Rate as limitation of motion, dislocation, or other specified instability under the affected joint. If there are 2 or more joints affected, each rating shall be combined in accordance with § 4.25.

## Rating criteria

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

# Post-Traumatic Arthritis (VA Diagnostic Code 5010)

## Understanding This Condition

Post-traumatic arthritis is a joint condition rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 5010**, found in **38 CFR § 4.71a**. It falls within the **Musculoskeletal System** group of conditions.

Unlike many rating entries, Diagnostic Code 5010 does not use its own percentage ladder. Instead, the VA evaluates post-traumatic arthritis based on how it affects the joint involved.

## How the VA Rates Post-Traumatic Arthritis

According to the rating criteria, post-traumatic arthritis is rated as one of the following, depending on how the affected joint is impacted:

- **Limitation of motion** of the affected joint
- **Dislocation** of the affected joint
- **Other specified instability** of the affected joint

The applicable rating comes from the diagnostic criteria for the specific joint that is affected.

### When More Than One Joint Is Involved

If **two or more joints** are affected, each joint is rated individually, and those ratings are then **combined in accordance with 38 CFR § 4.25**.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating post-traumatic arthritis, the VA focuses on:

- **The affected joint** — the rating is tied to the specific joint involved.
- **Limitation of motion** — how the arthritis restricts movement of that joint.
- **Dislocation** — whether the joint experiences dislocation.
- **Other specified instability** — instability of the affected joint.
- **The number of joints affected** — with multiple joints, each is rated separately and the results are combined under § 4.25.

---

*This information is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5010. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.*

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