Multi-joint arthritis, 2 or more joints, as an active process (DC 5002)

Rating levels

• 100% — You must have active arthritis affecting 2 or more joints that causes constitutional manifestations (whole-body symptoms like fever, fatigue, weight loss, or feeling generally sick) and be completely unable to work or perform daily activities. The arthritis must be an ongoing, active disease process that totally incapacitates you, meaning you cannot function independently due to the combination of joint problems and systemic illness symptoms.
• 60% — You qualify for this level if your multi-joint arthritis causes you to lose weight and become anemic (low red blood cell count), which seriously damages your overall health. Alternatively, you can qualify if you have severely disabling flare-ups (periods when symptoms get much worse) that happen at least 4 times per year, or fewer flare-ups that last for extended periods of time.
• 40% — You need to have a combination of arthritis symptoms that clearly harm your overall health, backed up by what doctors can see and measure during your medical exams. Alternatively, you can qualify if you have severe flare-ups (periods when your arthritis gets much worse) that are so bad they prevent you from functioning normally, and these flare-ups happen at least 3 times per year.
• 20% — You need to have arthritis affecting at least 2 joints where your doctor has clearly confirmed the diagnosis over time. Your arthritis must flare up (get significantly worse with increased pain, stiffness, and swelling) once or twice per year, but otherwise remains relatively stable between these episodes.