Rheumatoid Arthritis

DC 5002Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5002

An autoimmune disease where your body's immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing pain, swelling, and eventually joint damage. The VA rates rheumatoid arthritis based on how often you have attacks and how they affect your overall health.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 5002

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5002. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your rheumatoid arthritis causes constitutional manifestations (fever, weight loss, severe fatigue) with active joint involvement that are totally incapacitating.

What the VA looks for

Constitutional manifestations (fever, weight loss, fatigue)
Active joint involvement in multiple joints
Totally incapacitating symptoms
Unable to perform activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that RA can be rated under the active disease process (DC 5002) OR by individual joint limitation — the VA should use whichever method produces the higher overall rating.
⚠Not documenting each flare-up with a medical visit — the rating depends on the number and severity of exacerbations per year.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — RA can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, anemia, cervical spine problems, and depression.
⚠Not keeping up with rheumatologist visits and lab work — the VA relies on objective markers like rheumatoid factor, ESR, and CRP levels to confirm active disease.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Non-Degenerative Arthritis (including Inflammatory, Autoimmune, Crystalline and Infectious Arthritis)

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis or rated under the same body system.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

DC 8515·Neurological·Possible secondary

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal·Possible secondary

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Osteoporosis

DC 5013·Musculoskeletal·Possible secondary

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5002

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your rheumatoid arthritis causes constitutional manifestations (fever, weight loss, severe fatigue) with active joint involvement that are totally incapacitating.

What the VA looks for

Constitutional manifestations (fever, weight loss, fatigue)
Active joint involvement in multiple joints
Totally incapacitating symptoms
Unable to perform activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that RA can be rated under the active disease process (DC 5002) OR by individual joint limitation — the VA should use whichever method produces the higher overall rating.

⚠Not documenting each flare-up with a medical visit — the rating depends on the number and severity of exacerbations per year.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — RA can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, anemia, cervical spine problems, and depression.

⚠Not keeping up with rheumatologist visits and lab work — the VA relies on objective markers like rheumatoid factor, ESR, and CRP levels to confirm active disease.