Degenerative Arthritis (DC 5003 (and 5010 for post-traumatic))

Degenerative arthritis is primarily rated based on limitation of motion of the specific joint involved (using that joint's own diagnostic code), not as a standalone condition. DC 5003 only provides its own separate percentage when limitation of motion is not itself compensable.

Common Filing Mistake

A very common misfiling: claiming "arthritis" as its own generic condition rather than identifying the specific joint(s) involved. Arthritis is rated through the joint-specific code (knee, spine, shoulder, etc.); DC 5003 is a fallback that only applies when the joint's own limitation-of-motion rating would otherwise be 0%.

Diagnostic Codes

DC 5003Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic
DC 5010Post-traumatic arthritis

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria
20%	X-ray evidence of involvement of 2+ major joints or 2+ minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations, in the absence of compensable limitation of motion
10%	X-ray evidence of involvement of 2+ major joints or 2+ minor joint groups, in the absence of compensable limitation of motion
10%	For each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, when that limitation is otherwise noncompensable under the joint's own diagnostic code (combined, not added, under DC 5003)

Special Rules

Limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or documented painful motion, it isn't assigned on pain alone without supporting findings.
Post-traumatic arthritis (DC 5010) is rated as limitation of motion, dislocation, or instability under the specific affected joint, same underlying principle as DC 5003.
The 20% and 10% ratings based on X-ray findings under DC 5003 are not combined with ratings based on limitation of motion for the same joint(s).

Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.