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Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5002 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002 across 3 severity tiers (40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis / 20% -- Moderate limitation / 10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
Chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing painful swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA affects the lining of joints and can also damage skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) (DC 5002) is evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5002 using the applicable body-system rating framework. Because it is rated by analogy to the general schedule, the 3 levels below describe the body-system criteria the VA applies — the percentage assigned to Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune) depends on the specific findings (range of motion, frequency, severity, or functional loss) documented at the C&P exam and in the medical record.
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.