Making a VA Claim for Joint Pain 

Joint pain can silently derail a veteran’s quality of life. After years of physically demanding service, many veterans return home only to face an invisible battle of aching joints that make even the simplest tasks exhausting. 

Military life isn’t just hard; it’s punishing on the body. From standing in formation for hours to lugging gear over uneven terrain, service members endure continuous physical stress. These demands might not seem severe in the moment, but over time, they can lead to chronic joint conditions that don’t go away after discharge. 

Yet many veterans eligible for VA compensation get denied, because they don’t understand how the VA rates joint conditions or what kind of evidence is needed to win a claim. This guide breaks down what you need to know from how the VA evaluates joint pain to tips on building a successful VA claim for joint pain.

How the VA Rates Joint Pain 

When the VA looks at your joint pain, they don’t just consider whether it hurts. They examine how much your pain affects movement and function. The more it limits what your body can do, the higher the potential rating. 

The first thing the VA looks at is which joints are involved. Major joints include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. Minor joints include joints in the hands, feet, and spine (the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions). 

The VA relies on the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, specifically Diagnostic Codes 5200–5274, to evaluate joint pain. These codes are organized by body part and provide detailed criteria for determining how limited your range of motion is. In general: 

• Mild limitation = Lower ratings (10%–20%) 
• Moderate limitation or instability = Mid-range ratings (30%–50%) 
• Severe limitations, immobility, or joint replacements = Higher ratings (60%–100%)    

These ratings are meant to reflect how much your joint pain interferes with your daily life whether it’s difficulty standing, walking, lifting, or performing basic movements. Joint pain is not just about discomfort; it can limit your independence, disrupt your routine, and strip away your ability to enjoy life. 

It’s also worth noting that pain alone can qualify for a rating, even if your range of motion appears normal on paper. This is due to functional loss; if pain, fatigue, or weakness limits your ability to move like you used to, that counts.  

Bilateral Ratings 

If both sides of your body are affected by joint pain, the VA may apply what’s known as the bilateral factor. This rule increases your overall disability compensation because pain in both limbs often creates a bigger impact on daily function. 

For example, if you have joint pain in both knees, both shoulders, or both ankles, each condition is first rated separately. Then, an extra 10% of the combined value of those ratings is added to your overall score before calculating your total combined VA disability rating. 

Example

• Right shoulder pain rated at 20% 
• Left shoulder pain rated at 10% 
• Combined, they equal 28% 
• The bilateral factor adds 10% of that (2.8%), bringing the total to around 31% before being added to your overall VA rating 

This bonus percentage can make a noticeable difference, especially when you’re close to a higher rating tier. The bilateral factor usually applies when both arms or both legs are involved and the conditions affect matching joints or extremities, such as:

• Degenerative joint disease in both knees or hips 
• Rheumatoid arthritis affecting both wrists or hands 
• Injuries that cause long-term pain on both sides  

The key is making sure the VA understands that both sides are affected. If your records don’t clearly document bilateral involvement, this extra rating boost may be overlooked. 

VA Ratings by Type of Joint 

The VA assigns different diagnostic codes and rating ranges depending on which joint is affected. Each area of the body is evaluated by the VA based on how much motion is lost, whether the joint is fused or unstable, and whether any surgeries or replacements have been performed. 

Ratings for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction 

Sacroiliitis, or inflammation of the sacroiliac joint located where the spine meets the pelvis, falls under Diagnostic Code 5236. SI joint dysfunction is evaluated using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The VA disability ratings for sacroiliitis are: 

• 10%: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine between 60° and 85°, or muscle spasm, localized tenderness, or guarding without abnormal gait or spinal contour 
• 20%: Flexion between 30° and 60°, or muscle spasm with abnormal gait or spinal contour 
• 40%: Flexion 30° or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine 
• 50%–100%: For unfavorable ankylosis (complete fusion) of the spine, which is extremely limiting and disabling 

Even if imaging doesn’t show spinal fusion, functional loss due to pain or stiffness may still qualify for a sacroiliitis rating. 

Thoracolumbar Spine Conditions Ratings 

The thoracolumbar spine refers to the mid to lower back. Conditions affecting this area may include: 

• Degenerative joint disease (arthritis of the spine) 
• Spinal strain 
• Degenerative disc disease 
• Vertebral fractures  

Rated under Diagnostic Codes 5235–5243, the VA evaluates this area by the same criteria as SI joint dysfunction (see above), based on: 

• Forward flexion measurements 
• Pain during movement 
• Muscle spasms 
• Gait changes 
• Favorable or unfavorable ankylosis  

More about Back Conditions→

Cervical Spine Conditions Ratings 

Neck issues fall under similar rating formulas. These are often rated under Diagnostic Codes 5237 (strain) or 5242 (degenerative changes). VA looks at flexion below 45°, stiffness or fusion, and associated nerve issues (like radiculopathy). Pain and stiffness can also be rated even when motion loss is mild. 

Hip Joint Ratings 

The hip is one of the most commonly affected joints in veterans. Conditions here are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5250–5255, depending on how the hip moves and whether there’s joint damage, fractures, or the need for joint replacement. Ratings can range from: 

• 10% for mild movement loss or pain 
• 30%–50% for moderate to severe limitations 
• 90%–100% following total hip replacement with severe residual symptoms  

Find out more about the VA Ratings for Hip Pain→ 

Knee Joint Ratings 

Knee pain is a top reason veterans file disability claims. Whether from direct injury, repetitive stress, or degenerative joint disease, the knees take a beating in military service. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes 5256–5263 to rate conditions of the knee joint. 

• Diagnostic Code 5256 – For ankylosis (joint fusion), ratings range from 30% to 60% depending on the angle and severity. 
• Diagnostic Code 5257 – Rates instability or subluxation. You may get 10%, 20%, or 30% depending on whether your knee gives out occasionally or frequently. 
• Diagnostic Code 5258 – Involves a torn or removed meniscus with symptoms like frequent locking, pain, or joint effusion. This gets a 20% rating. 
• Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261 – Focus on limited flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). These are some of the most commonly used codes and range from 0% to 50%. 
• Diagnostic Code 5262 – For tibia/fibula impairments, including malunion or nonunion. 
• Diagnostic Code 5263 – For genu recurvatum (knee bending backward), usually rated 10%.  

Pain during motion, even if the range of motion is not severely limited, can still qualify for compensation if it interferes with daily life. The VA must consider functional loss, not just what’s measured with a goniometer. 

Learn how to claim a VA rating for Knee Pain→ 

Ankle Joint Ratings 

Ankle injuries may seem small at first, but over time, they can cause serious mobility problems, especially for veterans who spent years on their feet, in boots, or jumping from vehicles. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes 5270–5274 to assign ratings for ankle-related disabilities. 

• Diagnostic Code 5270 – For ankylosis of the ankle (fusion of the joint). Ratings range from 20% to 40%, depending on the angle at which the ankle is fused. 
• Diagnostic Code 5271 – For limited range of motion. 10% is given for moderate limitation and 20% for marked limitation. 
• Diagnostic Code 5272 – Focuses on ankylosis of the subastragalar or tarsal joint (smaller joints in the foot and ankle area), with ratings of 10% or 20%. 
• Diagnostic Code 5273 – For malunion of the os calcis or astragalus (heel or ankle bones), with deformity. 
• Diagnostic Code 5274 – Applies when a veteran has undergone surgical removal of the ankle bone (astragalus), usually rated at 20%. 

Even if your ankle hasn’t fused, you may still qualify if pain limits how much you can walk, stand, or move the joint. Long-term instability or swelling may also lead to additional secondary conditions, like knee or hip pain, from altered gait. 

Find out how to get a VA Disability Rating for Ankle Pain→ 

Shoulder Joint Ratings 

Shoulder problems can severely affect your ability to lift, reach, or even get dressed especially if you’re dealing with chronic pain, instability, or post-surgical limitations. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes 5200–5203 to rate shoulder and upper arm conditions.  

• Diagnostic Code 5200 – Applies to ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation (when the shoulder joint is fused and immobile). Ratings range from 30% to 50% depending on arm dominance and degree of motion loss. 
• Diagnostic Code 5201 – Rates limitation of arm motion. If you can’t lift your arm above shoulder level (90 degrees), you may receive 20%–40%, depending on which arm is affected. 
• Diagnostic Code 5202 – For humerus impairments like frequent dislocation or fibrous union. Ratings range from 20% to 80%. 
• Diagnostic Code 5203 – Focuses on clavicle or scapula impairments, such as dislocations or nonunion. These are typically rated at 10% or 20%.     

The VA also takes into account whether you’ve had rotator cuff surgery, joint replacement, or ongoing instability. Even if motion appears normal on a goniometer test, pain and functional impairment (like weakness or stiffness) can still justify a rating. Find out more: 

VA Disability Ratings for Rotator Cuff Repair and Bursitis 
VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder Replacement 

Elbow Joint Ratings 

Elbow conditions are common in veterans due to repetitive training tasks, heavy lifting, or direct trauma. Whether you’re dealing with tendon inflammation, nerve entrapment, or long-term degeneration, the VA evaluates elbow joint issues under Diagnostic Codes 5205–5213.  

• Diagnostic Code 5205 – Applies to ankylosis of the elbow joint. If your elbow is stuck in a fixed position, the rating can range from 30% to 60%, depending on the angle and whether your dominant or non-dominant arm is affected. 
• Diagnostic Code 5206 & 5207 – Rate limited flexion and extension, respectively. Ratings vary from 0% to 50%, with more severe limitations receiving higher percentages. 
• Diagnostic Code 5208 – For combined limitation of both flexion and extension. This code typically offers a 20% rating. 
• Diagnostic Code 5209 – Covers joint injuries involving fracture or dislocation, including instability of the elbow. 
• Diagnostic Code 5210–5212 – For bone-related injuries such as nonunion or malunion of the ulna or radius. 
• Diagnostic Code 5213 – Applies to loss of pronation or supination, which affects how well you can rotate your forearm. 

Common conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) may not always fall under one specific code but can still qualify if they significantly reduce your range of motion or cause functional loss. 

Even if your elbow still moves, the VA must consider pain, fatigue, and weakness when assigning a rating. These symptoms often affect daily tasks, like lifting, writing, or using tools. 

Learn more about VA Disability Ratings for Tennis Elbow→ 

Wrist Pain Ratings 

The wrist is one of the most frequently used joints in daily life, and for veterans, overuse, fractures, or repetitive stress during service can lead to chronic wrist pain and reduced mobility. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes 5214 and 5215 to rate wrist conditions from 10% to 40%. 

Even though 10% may seem low, wrist pain can still have a serious impact on your overall functionality, especially if it interferes with writing, typing, using tools, or performing fine motor tasks. 

If your wrist condition stems from a larger issue—like degenerative joint disease, nerve compression, or as a secondary effect of an elbow or shoulder injury—you may qualify for a higher combined rating. 

Find out more about Wrist Pain VA Disability Ratings→ 

Making a Successful VA Claim for Joint Pain 

Winning a VA disability claim for joint pain isn’t just about telling the VA that you hurt, it’s about proving it with the right evidence. To do that, you need to build your case with 3 key elements, using a framework called the Caluza Triangle.  

1. Get a Current Medical Diagnosis 

You must have a confirmed diagnosis from a licensed medical professional. It’s not enough to say, “my joints hurt.” The VA needs something in your medical records that specifically names the condition. This can mean: 

• Degenerative joint disease 
• Tendinitis or bursitis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Joint instability or limited motion  

This diagnosis can come from a VA facility or a private provider, but without it, your claim will be denied right out of the gate.  

2. Document an In-Service Event, Injury, or Illness 

Next, you must show that something happened during your military service that could have caused or worsened your joint condition. This could be:  

• A fall, accident, or injury documented in your service treatment records 
• Physical strain from ruck marches, long runs, or airborne jumps 
• Repetitive tasks like loading equipment, kneeling, or carrying gear 
• Gradual wear and tear from military occupational duties  

Even if your service records don’t show an exact diagnosis during service, you can still meet this requirement if you provide credible lay evidence or buddy statements that describe what happened. 

3. Provide a Medical Nexus Linking the Two 

The final piece is what trips up most veterans: you need a medical opinion that connects your current diagnosis to your time in service. 

This is called a nexus statement. A provider (either VA or private) must state that your joint condition is “at least as likely as not” related to your military service. That phrase is critical. It means there’s a 50/50 chance or greater that your condition began in service or was caused by it. 

The connection doesn’t need to be certain but without some kind of medical link, the VA can and will deny your claim, even if the other two parts are rock solid. 

Think of it like a three-legged stool: if even one leg is missing, your claim won’t stand. No diagnosis? No disability to rate. No in-service event? The VA cannot tie it to service. No nexus? The pieces won’t connect. 

Improve Your Chances 

Veterans who prepare their claims have a better chance of being approved on the first try. You can find out more from our free ebook The Road to VA Compensation. You’ve carried the weight, now let’s get you the support you’ve earned! 

Service Connecting Joint Pain 

To get VA benefits for joint pain, you first need to establish a service connection. This means proving that your joint condition is linked to your time in the military – either because it was directly caused by it, or worsened by it, or because it’s related to another disability that’s been service-connected. 

Direct Service Connection 

Direct service connection applies when the joint pain began as a result of your military service. You don’t need a combat injury to qualify. Any documented or credible in-service event that could reasonably lead to joint problems can be used to establish this connection. Examples of qualifying events include: 

• A fall during a training exercise 
• A physical altercation while deployed 
• Joint overuse from carrying heavy gear or operating machinery 
• Repetitive stress from long marches, jumping, or standing for hours at a time  

The more specific your documentation, the better your chances of approval. This is why it’s important to gather service treatment records, personal statements, and supporting documentation that clearly show how your current joint issues began in service.  

Secondary Service Connection 

Joint pain doesn’t always start during your time in uniform. Sometimes, it develops because of another service-connected condition and when that happens, you may qualify for a secondary service connection. 

This type of claim is based on the idea that a service-connected disability caused or aggravated another medical issue. In this case, the focus is on how an existing condition has led to new or worsening joint pain. To win a secondary service connection claim, you’ll need:  

• A current diagnosis of the joint-related condition 
• An already service-connected primary condition 
• A medical opinion (nexus) showing that the primary condition caused or aggravated the joint pain   

This type of claim is powerful because it allows you to expand your benefits based on how your body has been affected over time not just from direct service injuries. 

Disabilities Related to Joint Pain

• Degenerative Joint Disease – Also known as osteoarthritis, this condition involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain. Degenerative joint disease commonly develops after service-connected injuries or long-term wear and tear from physical duties. It’s one of the most frequently diagnosed joint conditions among veterans.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – This is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, causing chronic pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage. It can affect multiple joints at once and may be worsened by physical stress from military service. 
• Septic Arthritis – Also referred to as infectious arthritis, this condition occurs when a joint becomes infected, often due to bacteria entering the bloodstream. It causes severe inflammation, stiffness, and can lead to permanent joint damage if untreated. 
• Osteomyelitis – This is a serious bone infection that can spread to nearby joints. Veterans who experienced wounds, surgery, or infections during service may later develop osteomyelitis, which can cause persistent joint pain. 
• Bursitis – This occurs when the bursa (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints) becomes inflamed. It’s often caused by repetitive motion or pressure on the joints and is common in the knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders. 
• Fibromyalgia – Although it affects muscles and soft tissues, fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, including in the joints. It’s sometimes diagnosed alongside other service-connected conditions like PTSD and may qualify as a secondary condition. 
• Gout – A form of inflammatory arthritis, gout is caused by uric acid buildup in the joints, especially in the feet. It results in sharp, intense pain and swelling, and can be triggered or worsened by medications or dietary factors. 
• Tendinitis – This is the inflammation of tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones. It’s often caused by overuse or strain, and it frequently affects veterans who performed repetitive tasks during service. 

Each of these conditions can form the basis of a standalone VA claim or be used to strengthen a joint pain claim when properly documented and diagnosed. If any of them apply to your medical history, they should be included in your case file. 

Is Presumptive Service Connection Possible? 

Yes, in some cases, veterans can receive presumptive service connection for joint pain, meaning the VA will automatically assume the condition is related to military service without requiring direct proof of a specific in-service event. This is especially helpful if your records are incomplete or the injury wasn’t documented at the time. 

Chronic Conditions: Degenerative and Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Both degenerative joint disease and rheumatoid arthritis are considered chronic illnesses under VA law. If either condition manifests to a compensable degree (usually 10%) within one year of discharge, the VA may grant presumptive service connection even if you weren’t diagnosed during active duty. 

To qualify: 

• The condition must be diagnosed or symptoms must appear within 12 months of leaving the military 
• You must have served active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training, depending on the specifics of your case 

Even if you didn’t file a claim immediately, early symptoms recorded in private or VA medical records could help support a presumptive claim. 

MUCMI: Medically Unexplained Chronic Multisymptom Illness 

Veterans who served in the Gulf War or post-9/11 Southwest Asia may qualify for joint pain compensation under the MUCMI rule. Joint pain in these cases doesn’t need a clear diagnosis like arthritis or fibromyalgia—as long as the symptoms are chronic, widespread, and lack a definitive cause, they can be considered service-connected. 

To be eligible, you must: 

• Have served in qualifying regions such as Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, or surrounding areas 
• Experience joint pain lasting six months or more 
• Lack a specific diagnosis that fully explains the symptoms 

This rule recognizes that many Gulf War veterans experience long-term health issues without a clear medical explanation. Joint pain falls squarely within that category, making it easier to receive benefits without jumping through the usual hoops.  

Getting the Maximum Rating for Joint Pain 

If you’re living with joint pain, it’s not enough to simply file a claim; you want to make sure you’re receiving the highest possible rating for the severity of your condition. The VA evaluates joint issues by looking at how much they limit your range of motion, reduce functionality, and affect your quality of life. 

To get the maximum rating, here’s what you need to understand and prepare: 

1. Accurate Range of Motion Testing 

The VA uses a tool called a goniometer during your C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam to measure how far your joint can move. If your range is limited due to pain, stiffness, or swelling, those numbers play a big role in determining your rating. 

However, even if your range of motion appears normal, you might still qualify for a higher rating if you show functional loss due to pain, fatigue, or flare-ups. Make sure to speak up during your exam if motion becomes more painful after repetitive use or if it limits your ability to do everyday tasks. 

2. Document Flare-Ups and Daily Impact 

Veterans often minimize their symptoms during exams, but that can hurt your claim. The VA wants to know how your joint pain affects your daily life, not just how you feel on a “good” day. Keep a journal and bring it to your exam if needed. 

Examples include: 

•  Difficulty walking, standing, or climbing stairs 
• Trouble lifting or reaching overhead 
• Needing assistance to get dressed, drive, or work 
• Loss of sleep due to nighttime joint pain

3. Submit a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) 

The more you document these limitations, the better chance you have of being rated at the correct and fair level. 

A DBQ filled out by a private physician or specialist can help your case significantly. It details:  

• Pain levels 
• Movement limitations 
• How symptoms vary over time  

Make sure the doctor completing it understands VA terminology and what evidence is required to show severity and frequency of your symptoms. 

4. Include Secondary Conditions 

Don’t forget to report any additional conditions that have developed as a result of your joint pain. These may increase your combined disability rating, or even qualify you for TDIU (Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability), which pays at the 100% rate. 

Getting the maximum rating is about being thorough and honest. The VA can only rate what you prove, not what they assume. Your job is to make sure your pain and its impact are clearly documented and impossible to ignore.  

Joint Pain and Secondary Conditions 

Joint pain doesn’t just affect your bones, it often sets off a chain reaction of other health problems. When your joints hurt, you naturally adjust how you move, how you rest, and how you cope. Over time, these adjustments can lead to secondary medical issues, many of which are compensable under VA disability. 

Degenerative Joint Disease 

A long-term joint injury, even if initially minor, can eventually progress into degenerative joint disease, especially when the affected joint is used repeatedly or bears weight daily. For example, a service-connected ankle sprain that causes chronic pain might later lead to breakdown of cartilage, turning into degenerative joint disease in the same or adjacent joint. 

Musculoskeletal Complications 

If your body starts compensating for a painful joint such as shifting weight off one leg to avoid pain, it can lead to injuries in other joints, including:  

• Knee or hip issues due to ankle and foot pain 
• Lower back pain from poor posture or altered gait 
• Joint misalignment from repetitive compensation  

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

Many veterans rely on NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen to manage joint pain. Long-term use of these medications can irritate the stomach lining, leading to chronic acid reflux or GERD. If you’re taking painkillers for a service-connected joint issue and later develop GERD, this could be a secondary condition worth claiming. 

Sleep Disorders 

Chronic joint pain often interferes with restorative sleep. Whether you’re tossing and turning, waking up frequently, or unable to find a comfortable sleeping position, poor sleep can turn into a diagnosable sleep disorder, especially when the cause is clearly tied to pain symptoms. 

Mental Health Conditions 

When joint pain prevents you from doing things you once enjoyed such as working, exercising, or spending time with family, it can lead to depression, anxiety, or irritability. These issues are recognized by the VA as secondary to physical disabilities, especially when they impact your quality of life or ability to maintain relationships. 

These mental disorders don’t just exist alongside joint pain, they may have been caused or worsened by it, which makes them eligible for secondary service connection. If any of these diagnoses are part of your medical record, they should be included in your claim or appeal. 

TDIU Claims for Joint Pain 

If your joint pain makes it difficult or impossible to hold down a steady job, you may qualify for VA TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability). This benefit pays at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined rating doesn’t officially add up to 100%. 

Joint pain can interfere with both physical and sedentary jobs. If you’re in pain while sitting at a desk, standing for long periods, walking, or using your hands, it can be almost impossible to meet the basic demands of most workplaces. Examples of how joint pain might prevent employment include: 

• Needing frequent breaks due to pain or stiffness 
• Inability to lift, bend, kneel, or climb stairs 
• Loss of grip strength or hand coordination 
• Fatigue or flare-ups from repetitive tasks 
• Difficulty commuting or maintaining a regular schedule  

Even if you’re “technically employable,” your real-world limitations may still meet the VA’s standard for unemployability. 

TDIU Eligibility Requirements 

To qualify for TDIU based on joint pain or related conditions, you must meet one of the following: 

• Have one service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, or 
• Have two or more disabilities, with one rated at least 40%, and a combined rating of 70% or higher  

Keep in mind that if your joint pain has led to other secondary issues—like degenerative joint disease, depression, or sleep disorders—those can all be considered as part of your combined rating. 

Under 38 CFR § 4.16(a), the VA may also treat multiple disabilities as a single condition if they come from the same event or affect the same body system. For example, pain in your knees, hips, and ankles from airborne training could all be considered one functional disability. 

If your joint pain has taken you out of the workforce, even if it’s not rated at 100%, TDIU may be the path to full compensation.

If you’re struggling with joint pain and believe your current VA rating doesn’t reflect your reality, we’re ready to help you challenge it. Hill & Ponton offers a free case evaluation to determine whether your appeal has merit and how we can support your claim.