How The VA Rates Arthritis

Arthritis affects 1 in 5 Americans and is the number one cause of disability in the country, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most sufferers are working adults, and veterans are hit especially hard. 1 in 3 veterans has arthritis, and half of those say it limits their daily activities.

The good news: arthritis can be managed through clinical therapy, healthy lifestyle choices, and weight management. Here’s what veterans need to know about how the VA rates the condition.

Once your rating is approved, find out when to expect your payments with our VA disability pay dates guide.

What is Arthritus?

The Department of Veterans Affairs defines arthritis broadly. While the word itself means “joint inflammation,” the VA uses it to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions affecting joints, surrounding tissue, and other connective tissue.

VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis

The VA does not assign a single disability rating for arthritis. Ratings depend on the type and severity of the condition. The information below reflects current VA guidelines, but rating criteria and amounts are always subject to change through legislation or VA policy. Always consult the VA directly about your specific condition and qualifying criteria.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Atrophic) Ratings

Rheumatoid arthritis is rated as an active process. The rating scale is as follows:

• 100%: Totally incapacitating, with constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement.
• 60%: Not totally incapacitating, but with weight loss and anemia producing severe impairment of health, or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring four or more times a year (or a lesser number over prolonged periods).
• 40%: With weight loss and anemia, with symptom combinations that produce definite, objectively supported impairment of health, or incapacitating exacerbations occurring three or more times a year.
• 20%: With one or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis.

Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your monthly compensation based on your rating.

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) Ratings

For degenerative arthritis, the VA primarily bases ratings on limitation of motion, evaluated under the diagnostic code for the specific joint or joints involved.

When limitation of motion is present but falls below the compensable threshold under the relevant diagnostic code, a 10% rating applies for each major joint or group of minor joints affected. These ratings are combined, not added together.

The VA requires that any diagnosed limitation of range of motion be objectively confirmed through findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or evidence of painful motion.

When there is no limited motion but X-ray evidence exists, ratings are based on the number of joints involved:

• 20%: X-ray evidence of involvement in two or more major joints or minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.
• 10%: X-ray evidence of involvement in two or more major joints or minor joint groups (without incapacitating exacerbations).

The VA prohibits combining the 10% or 20% ratings above with any ratings based on limitation of motion for the same joints.

Tips For Veterans Managing Arthritis

• Explore community-based programs. Online and local physical activity programs designed for arthritis sufferers can make a real difference in day-to-day function.
• See a physical therapist regularly. A therapist can help you manage functional limitations, maintain an exercise routine, and identify assistive devices that may help.
• Consider integrative health approaches. The VA suggests that yoga, tai chi, and massage therapy may be beneficial in the right circumstances.
• Stay informed on VA research. The VA has active arthritis research projects covering lab studies, new medications, and therapy programs. Keeping up with developments could open new treatment options for you.

Arthritis is a serious condition, but veterans don’t have to navigate it alone. Understanding how the VA rates arthritis is the first step toward securing the benefits you’ve earned. Whether you’re filing a new claim, appealing a rating, or simply looking for ways to better manage your symptoms, the VA offers resources to support you every step of the way. If you believe your arthritis is connected to your military service, speak with a VA representative or accredited claims agent to explore your options.