VASRD 5017 · Rheumatologic / Musculoskeletal

Gout VA Disability Rating

Joint pain and inflammation from uric acid crystal buildup.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Daily pain and stiffness
40%Flares a few times a year
20%Occasional joint swelling
10%Low-impact, managed with meds

How the VA Evaluates Gout

Flare-up frequency, joint damage, medication use.

Approval rate

Moderate (~55%) with rheumatology history.

Annual service-connected

3,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Rheumatology treatment history
  • •Uric acid bloodwork

Strategy Tips

  • •Track flare-ups in journal
  • •Submit past lab results

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Only mild symptoms shown at exam
  • •Lack of attack frequency history

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No documentation of recurrent flares
  • •No uric acid testing

Onset Patterns

  • •Diet, genetics, medication side effects

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Kidney Stones

    Excess uric acid

  • Ankle or Knee Arthritis

    Chronic joint inflammation

Common questions about Gout

Is Gout a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Gout under VASRD diagnostic code 5017 (Rheumatologic / Musculoskeletal). Joint pain and inflammation from uric acid crystal buildup.
What VA disability rating can I get for Gout?
Possible VA ratings for Gout are 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 60% — Daily pain and stiffness; 40% — Flares a few times a year; 20% — Occasional joint swelling.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Gout?
The average awarded rating for Gout is 20%. Roughly 3,000 veterans are service-connected for Gout each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~55%) with rheumatology history..
What evidence helps prove Gout for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Gout claim includes: Rheumatology treatment history; Uric acid bloodwork.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Gout?
Common pitfalls when filing for Gout: No documentation of recurrent flares; No uric acid testing.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Gout?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Gout include: Kidney Stones, Ankle or Knee Arthritis. 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