VASRD 5009 · Musculoskeletal / Joints

Other Specified Forms of Arthritis at 40% VA Disability Rating

Definite health impairment on exam, or three or more incapacitating flares a year

40%: single veteran, no dependents

$795.84

$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA Rating Criteria for 40%

Acute phase, rated under DC 5002: "Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year."

40% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation amounts for Other Specified Forms of Arthritis rated at 40%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.

Single (no dependents)$795.84
With spouse$882.84
With spouse + 1 child$947.84
With spouse + 2 children$990.84
Single + 1 child (no spouse)$853.84

Lower tier

20% Other Specified Forms of Arthritis

$356.66 /mo single

Higher tier

60% Other Specified Forms of Arthritis

$1,435.02 /mo single

Common questions about 40% for Other Specified Forms of Arthritis

How much does a 40% VA rating for Other Specified Forms of Arthritis pay?
A single veteran rated 40% for Other Specified Forms of Arthritis receives $795.84 per month ($9,550.08/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 $947.84.
What does it take to get a 40% rating for Other Specified Forms of Arthritis?
Acute phase, rated under DC 5002: "Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year."
What's the difference between 40% and 60% for Other Specified Forms of Arthritis?
40%: Definite health impairment on exam, or three or more incapacitating flares a year 60%: Weight loss and anemia, or severe flares at least four times a year
Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
Yes. If a condition like Fatigue is service-connected as secondary to Other Specified Forms of Arthritis, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 40% alone.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5009)
  2. 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 Other Specified Forms of Arthritis are on the main condition page.

View full Other Specified Forms of Arthritis guide
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