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Evidence checklist

Gout

DC 501738 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Uric acid (serum urate) laboratory resultsCritical

Serum uric acid levels documenting hyperuricemia. Note that uric acid may be normal during an acute flare -- serial testing is more informative than a single result.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking gout to service or service-connected condition ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting gout to military service, or as secondary to a service-connected condition such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, or medication use (diuretics, low-dose aspirin).

Private provider · independent opinion
Synovial fluid analysis (joint aspiration with crystal identification)

Laboratory results from joint aspiration showing monosodium urate monohydrate crystals under polarized microscopy -- the gold standard for gout diagnosis.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Imaging studies (X-ray showing tophi or erosions; ultrasound or DECT)

Radiographs showing characteristic gout erosions with overhanging edges, or ultrasound/dual-energy CT showing urate crystal deposition (double contour sign or tophi).

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of acute flare episodes (frequency, affected joints, duration)

Medical records or personal log tracking the frequency, duration, and severity of acute gout attacks, including which joints are affected and how attacks limit function.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (urate-lowering therapy, colchicine, NSAIDs)

Records documenting urate-lowering therapy (allopurinol, febuxostat), acute attack management (colchicine, NSAIDs, steroids), and response to treatment.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Joint ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing range of motion, pain, and functional limitations of the primarily affected joint(s).

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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