---
title: "DC 5021 - Myositis"
diagnostic_code: "5021"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5021-myositis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:13:32.230743Z"
---

# DC 5021 - Myositis

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.

# Myositis (VA Diagnostic Code 5021)

## Understanding Your Rating for Myositis

Myositis is a musculoskeletal condition rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 5021**, found in **§ 4.71a** of the VA's rating schedule.

## What This Condition Involves

Myositis affects the **musculoskeletal system**. Under the VA rating schedule, myositis is grouped with related conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024.

## How the VA Rates Myositis

For diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024, the VA evaluates the condition **as degenerative arthritis, based on the limitation of motion of the affected parts.**

This means that rather than using a rating formula unique to myositis, the VA looks at how the condition limits the movement of the body part it affects, and applies the criteria used for degenerative arthritis.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating myositis, the VA focuses on:

- **Which parts of the body are affected** by the condition
- **The degree of limitation of motion** in those affected parts

Because the evaluation is tied to limitation of motion, the specific rating depends on how the affected joint or body part is impacted.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5021). It is provided for general informational purposes only.*

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