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Diagnostic Code 5002: Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process
Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR §4.71a · All codes in this system
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating | 100% |
| Less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods | 60% |
| Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year | 40% |
| One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis | 20% |
| Note (1): Examples of conditions rated using this diagnostic code include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies. | |
| Note (2): For chronic residuals, rate under diagnostic code 5003. | |
| Note (3): The ratings for the active process will not be combined with the residual ratings for limitation of motion, ankylosis, or diagnostic code 5003. Instead, assign the higher evaluation. | |
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Source: eCFR Title 38, 38 CFR §4.71a, current as of 2026-11-05. Criteria text is the regulatory text, reproduced verbatim for reference; it is not legal advice.