VASRD 5019 · Musculoskeletal System
Bursitis VA Disability Rating
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa — one of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons and muscles where they pass over bone — most often at the shoulder, hip, elbow or knee, causing pain and painful, restricted motion. DC 5019 has no percentages of its own: it is rated as degenerative arthritis, on limitation of motion of the affected joint.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Per joint, when motion is limited but not enough to rate on its own |
| 0% | Service-connected, but no compensable joint limitation |
How the VA Evaluates Bursitis
DC 5019 has no percentage criteria of its own. The whole of its rating rule is the note that closes its block: "Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts." That routes to DC 5003, which rates "on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.)" — so the percentage is whatever the affected joint's own code provides, and it differs joint by joint. Shoulder bursitis is measured against DC 5201, hip bursitis against DCs 5251-5253, knee bursitis against DCs 5260-5261, elbow bursitis against DCs 5206-5207. There is no single ladder. Only where that joint's limitation of motion is noncompensable does a fixed 10 percent apply, per joint, combined rather than added. DC 5003's own X-ray-based 20 and 10 percent ratings are expressly unavailable here: "Note (2): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024, inclusive." 38 CFR 4.45(f) defines which joints count as major joints and which as groups of minor joints. 38 CFR 4.59 supplies a floor: actually painful, unstable or malaligned joints are "entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint." Because the evaluation is assigned on the affected joint, a decision letter normally shows a hyphenated code such as 5019-5201 rather than a bare 5019 (38 CFR 4.27).
Approval outlook
Moderate (~60%) with diagnosis and repeated symptoms.
Veterans service-connected
~2,800 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Goniometer range-of-motion measurements, in degrees, for the affected joint — this is the only thing DC 5019 rates, and a compensable evaluation depends on comparing it against that joint's own diagnostic code.
- •Examination findings recording objective painful motion, swelling or muscle spasm, which is the confirmation DC 5003 requires before the per-joint 10 percent can be assigned.
- •Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) showing bursal thickening or effusion, and any aspiration or injection records, which establish the diagnosis.
- •A separate measurement for every joint involved, since each major joint or minor joint group with noncompensable limitation of motion carries its own 10 percent, combined rather than added.
Strategy Tips
- •Document how the affected joint's use is limited in daily tasks, since functional impact, not just the diagnosis, is what this rating depends on.
- •Describe how pain limits daily tasks specifically, since range-of-motion limitation is the deciding factor between the two available tiers.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •The condition being mistaken for arthritis rather than clearly documented as bursitis.
- •No current treatment on record, which can make a chronic condition look resolved or minor.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not showing limitation of motion specifically, since this is the criterion that determines the rating tier.
- •Lack of documentation of recurrent flare-ups to establish the condition as chronic rather than a one-time episode.
Onset Patterns
- •Bursitis commonly results from repetitive movement or a specific trauma that irritated the bursa around a joint.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Bursitis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Bursitis is frequently claimed.
Common questions about Bursitis
- Is Bursitis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Bursitis under VASRD diagnostic code 5019 (Musculoskeletal System). Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa — one of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons and muscles where they pass over bone — most often at the shoulder, hip, elbow or knee, causing pain and painful, restricted motion. DC 5019 has…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Bursitis?
- Possible VA ratings for Bursitis are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10%: Per joint, when motion is limited but not enough to rate on its own; 0%: Service-connected, but no compensable joint limitation.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Bursitis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Bursitis at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 2,800 veterans are service-connected for Bursitis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~60%) with diagnosis and repeated symptoms.
- What evidence helps prove Bursitis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Bursitis claim includes: Goniometer range-of-motion measurements, in degrees, for the affected joint — this is the only thing DC 5019 rates, and a compensable evaluation depends on comparing it against that joint's own diagnostic code.; Examination findings recording objective painful motion, swe…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Bursitis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Bursitis: Not showing limitation of motion specifically, since this is the criterion that determines the rating tier.; Lack of documentation of recurrent flare-ups to establish the condition as chronic rather than a one-time episode..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Bursitis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Bursitis include: Tendonitis, Joint Instability. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5019)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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