Post-traumatic arthritis (DC 5010)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

Post-traumatic arthritis is joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that develops after an injury to a joint - like from a car accident, fall, or combat injury. The VA doesn't have specific rating percentages listed under this code because they typically rate post-traumatic arthritis using the criteria for the specific joint that's affected (like knee, shoulder, or ankle). Your rating will depend on how much the arthritis limits your range of motion and daily activities in that particular joint.

Rating levels

  • -1% — The VA doesn't rate post-traumatic arthritis as its own separate condition. Instead, they evaluate it based on how it affects your joint function - whether it limits how much you can move the joint (range of motion), causes the joint to slip out of place (dislocation), or makes the joint wobbly or unstable. Your rating will be determined by looking up the specific joint that's affected and seeing how severe these movement problems or instability issues are.

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.