VASRD 5015 · Musculoskeletal

Gout VA Disability Rating

Gout causes painful joint inflammation due to uric acid buildup.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Gout flares constantly and severely limit movement.
40%Gout flares multiple times a year and impacts daily life.
20%Occasional gout flares affecting joints.

How the VA Evaluates Gout

Diagnosis supported by uric acid levels, joint aspiration results, and documented flares.

Approval rate

Moderate – increases with rheumatologist and lab evidence.

Annual service-connected

7,100 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Rheumatologist diagnosis
  • •Synovial fluid analysis showing urate crystals
  • •Documentation of frequency and severity of attacks

Strategy Tips

  • •Track flare frequency with medical visits
  • •Provide treatment logs and medication history

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No documentation of flares
  • •No lab confirmation of hyperuricemia

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not submitting flare-up history
  • •Lack of lab work or imaging

Onset Patterns

  • •Sudden joint pain, often at night
  • •Typically affects the big toe first

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Gout. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Kidney Stones

    High uric acid levels can lead to stone formation

Common questions about Gout

Is Gout a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Gout under VASRD diagnostic code 5015 (Musculoskeletal). Gout causes painful joint inflammation due to uric acid buildup.
What VA disability rating can I get for Gout?
Possible VA ratings for Gout are 60%, 40%, 20%. Examples: 60% — Gout flares constantly and severely limit movement.; 40% — Gout flares multiple times a year and impacts daily life.; 20% — Occasional gout flares affecting joints..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Gout?
The average awarded rating for Gout is 20%. Roughly 7,100 veterans are service-connected for Gout each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – increases with rheumatologist and lab evidence..
What evidence helps prove Gout for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Gout claim includes: Rheumatologist diagnosis; Synovial fluid analysis showing urate crystals; Documentation of frequency and severity of attacks.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Gout?
Common pitfalls when filing for Gout: Not submitting flare-up history; Lack of lab work or imaging.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Gout?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Gout include: Kidney Stones. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Gout combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator