VASRD 5010 · Musculoskeletal System

Post-Traumatic Arthritis VA Disability Rating

Joint pain and stiffness from a past injury, like a fracture or dislocation.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Arthritis from injury with visible joint damage

How the VA Evaluates Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Evidence of trauma plus imaging of joint degeneration.

Approval rate

High – especially if injury occurred during service.

Annual service-connected

200,000 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-rays or MRI showing degenerative changes
  • •Service medical records of injury

Strategy Tips

  • •Provide full injury timeline
  • •Submit both imaging and functional reports
  • •Emphasize history of trauma

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No connection made to prior trauma
  • •Missing X-ray or imaging evidence

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Failing to link current arthritis to service injury
  • •No imaging provided

Onset Patterns

  • •Develops slowly after joint trauma
  • •Pain and stiffness worsen with age

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Joint Instability

    Weakened joint from damage

  • Chronic Pain

    Inflammation and bone damage

Common questions about Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Post-Traumatic Arthritis under VASRD diagnostic code 5010 (Musculoskeletal System). Joint pain and stiffness from a past injury, like a fracture or dislocation.
What VA disability rating can I get for Post-Traumatic Arthritis?
Possible VA ratings for Post-Traumatic Arthritis are 10%. Examples: 10% — Arthritis from injury with visible joint damage.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Post-Traumatic Arthritis?
The average awarded rating for Post-Traumatic Arthritis is 10%. Roughly 200,000 veterans are service-connected for Post-Traumatic Arthritis each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – especially if injury occurred during service..
What evidence helps prove Post-Traumatic Arthritis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Post-Traumatic Arthritis claim includes: X-rays or MRI showing degenerative changes; Service medical records of injury.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Post-Traumatic Arthritis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Failing to link current arthritis to service injury; No imaging provided.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Post-Traumatic Arthritis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Post-Traumatic Arthritis include: Joint Instability, Chronic Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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