---
title: "DC 5017 - Gout"
diagnostic_code: "5017"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5017-gout"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:12:59.606224Z"
---

# DC 5017 - Gout

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

Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.

## Rating criteria

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

## Notes

- Note to DCs 5013 through 5024: Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.

# Gout (VA Diagnostic Code 5017)

## Understanding Your VA Rating for Gout

Gout is a condition affecting the **musculoskeletal system**. Under the VA rating schedule, it is listed at **Diagnostic Code 5017** within **§ 4.71a**.

## How the VA Rates Gout

Gout falls within a group of conditions covered by diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024. According to the rating criteria, these diseases are **evaluated as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of the affected parts**.

In other words, rather than having its own standalone set of percentage levels, gout is rated by looking at how much it limits the movement of the joints or body parts it affects.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating gout, the VA focuses on:

- **The affected parts** — which joints or areas of the body are involved.
- **Limitation of motion** — how much the condition restricts movement in those affected parts.

Because gout is evaluated as degenerative arthritis based on limitation of motion, the assessment centers on measuring how the condition affects your range of motion in the impacted areas.

## Important Notes

> **Note to DCs 5013 through 5024:** Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.

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*This information is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5017 (§ 4.71a). It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any specific rating or outcome.*

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