Degenerative Arthritis
DC 5003 §4.71a Musculoskeletal — Other ICD-10: M19.90 DirectPresumptive Chronic disease 1-year (§3.309)
Rated on limitation of motion of affected joint. If non-compensable on LOM, 10% for each major joint group with X-ray evidence.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations |
| 10% | With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups |
Filing this claim
If you have qualifying service for the Chronic disease 1-year (§3.309) presumption, you don't need a nexus letter — file as a primary claim with proof of qualifying service and your current diagnosis. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Gather proof of qualifying service (DD-214, deployment records, etc.) — no nexus letter needed.
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.71a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.