VASRD 5002 · Musculoskeletal System

Rheumatoid Arthritis VA Disability Rating

An autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation and long-term damage.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Extremely severe, disabling arthritis
60%Chronic illness with systemic effects
40%Occasional flare-ups with pain and stiffness
20%Mild form with rare flares

How the VA Evaluates Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lab diagnosis of RA, joint swelling, flare-ups, and systemic symptoms like fatigue or fever.

Approval rate

Moderate – stronger with established rheumatologist diagnosis.

Annual service-connected

250,000 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Rheumatologist diagnosis and blood tests (RF, ANA, ESR)
  • •Joint exam with swelling documentation
  • •Flare-up logs and functional limitations

Strategy Tips

  • •Include full lab results
  • •Describe how RA affects mobility and stamina
  • •Mention systemic symptoms

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Lack of lab confirmation
  • •No record of systemic impacts

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Only listing joint pain without RA diagnosis
  • •No mention of fatigue or health effects

Onset Patterns

  • •Often appears gradually in multiple joints
  • •May fluctuate between active and remission phases

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Fatigue

    Chronic inflammation causes exhaustion

  • Joint Deformity

    Long-term RA damages joints

Common questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Rheumatoid Arthritis under VASRD diagnostic code 5002 (Musculoskeletal System). An autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation and long-term damage.
What VA disability rating can I get for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Possible VA ratings for Rheumatoid Arthritis are 100%, 60%, 40%, 20%. Examples: 100% — Extremely severe, disabling arthritis; 60% — Chronic illness with systemic effects; 40% — Occasional flare-ups with pain and stiffness.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The average awarded rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis is 40%. Roughly 250,000 veterans are service-connected for Rheumatoid Arthritis each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – stronger with established rheumatologist diagnosis..
What evidence helps prove Rheumatoid Arthritis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Rheumatoid Arthritis claim includes: Rheumatologist diagnosis and blood tests (RF, ANA, ESR); Joint exam with swelling documentation; Flare-up logs and functional limitations.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Only listing joint pain without RA diagnosis; No mention of fatigue or health effects.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Rheumatoid Arthritis include: Fatigue, Joint Deformity. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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