VASRD 5003 · Musculoskeletal System
Degenerative Arthritis at 10% VA Disability Rating
Per joint when motion is limited but not enough to rate on its own — or, with no limitation of motion, X-ray arthritis in two or more joints
10%: single veteran, no dependents
$180.42
$2,165.04/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 10%
Two separate bases produce 10 percent. (a) Where limitation of motion of the specific joint is noncompensable under that joint's own code, "a rating of 10 pct is for application for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, to be combined, not added" — and limitation of motion "must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion." (b) In the absence of limitation of motion, "with X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups." Note (1) bars combining basis (b) with ratings based on limitation of motion.
10% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Degenerative Arthritis rated at 10%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $180.42 |
| With spouse | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $180.42 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $180.42 |
Higher tier
20% Degenerative Arthritis
$356.66 /mo single
Common questions about 10% for Degenerative Arthritis
- How much does a 10% VA rating for Degenerative Arthritis pay?
- A single veteran rated 10% for Degenerative Arthritis receives $180.42 per month ($2,165.04/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $180.42.
- What does it take to get a 10% rating for Degenerative Arthritis?
- Two separate bases produce 10 percent. (a) Where limitation of motion of the specific joint is noncompensable under that joint's own code, "a rating of 10 pct is for application for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, to be combined, not added" — and limitation of motion "m…
- What's the difference between 10% and 20% for Degenerative Arthritis?
- 10%: Per joint when motion is limited but not enough to rate on its own — or, with no limitation of motion, X-ray arthritis in two or more joints 20%: X-rays show arthritis in two or more joints and you have occasional incapacitating flares
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 10%?
- Yes. If a condition like Joint Instability is service-connected as secondary to Degenerative Arthritis, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 10% alone.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5003)
- VA.gov — 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025
Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on August 16, 2026.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Degenerative Arthritis are on the main condition page.
View full Degenerative Arthritis guide
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