VA Disability Rating for Arthritis, gonorrheal (DC 5004)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ RHEUM Arthritis

DC 5004 covers gonorrheal arthritis, joint inflammation caused by the gonorrhea infection. The regulation rates it as rheumatoid arthritis under DC 5002 while the disease is active, and afterward as degenerative arthritis under DC 5003 on the chronic residuals, which means the limitation of motion or ankylosis of each affected joint. Ratings for the active and the inactive phases are never combined (38 CFR 4.71a, Note (2) to DCs 5004 through 5009).

Rating levels

  • Note — Gonorrheal arthritis is joint inflammation caused by a gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) infection that spreads to the joints. The VA does not give this code its own rating levels. While the arthritis is in its acute (active) phase, it is rated under DC 5002 (multi-joint arthritis as an active process). Any lasting joint problems after the acute phase are rated under DC 5003 (degenerative arthritis), which is based on limitation of motion of the affected joints.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.

Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic (DC 5000)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5000.
Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive (DC 5001)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5001.
Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process (DC 5002)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5002.
Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic (DC 5003)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5003.
Arthritis, pneumococcic (DC 5005)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5005.