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Evidence checklist

Rheumatoid Arthritis

DC 500238 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
Rheumatology evaluation with ACR/EULAR diagnostic criteria documentationCritical

Evaluation by a rheumatologist documenting swollen and tender joint counts, disease activity scores (DAS28, CDAI), and classification per ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking rheumatoid arthritis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting RA to military service, including environmental exposures (silica, combustion products), physical stress, or immune dysregulation triggered by service conditions.

Private provider · independent opinion
Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibody resultsCritical

Serological tests including rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, along with inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) documenting active disease.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Imaging showing joint erosions, synovitis, or joint space narrowing

Radiographs or MRI demonstrating periarticular erosions, joint space narrowing, or synovial thickening characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Ultrasound can show synovial hyperemia.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of systemic manifestations (anemia, fatigue, nodules)

Records documenting extra-articular manifestations including rheumatoid nodules, anemia of chronic disease, pericarditis, pleuritis, Sjogren's overlap, or eye involvement.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (DMARDs, biologics, steroids)

Records documenting DMARD therapy (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine), biologic agents (TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors), and corticosteroid use with disease activity assessments.

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 of all affected joints, pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.

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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