Gout
38 CFR § 4.71a — Musculoskeletal system
Gout is specifically listed under DC 5017—not as unspecified arthropathy under DC 5009.
Diagnostic code
5017
DC 5017 rates gout according to the frequency of attacks, joint involvement, and objective findings in the regulation. Serum uric acid alone does not replace exam findings that match the schedule.
Tophaceous disease, joint destruction, and limitation of motion may increase the evidentiary picture; the rater still applies the percentage levels in Part 4.
Official VA rating criteria — gout / metabolic bone (selected DCs)
Metabolic and crystal arthropathies are rated under the schedule entries for gout (DC 5017) and related bone conditions. Severity depends on frequency of attacks, joint involvement, and residuals.
| Rating | VA criteria (typical structure) | Key evidence at this level |
|---|---|---|
| 40–60% | Severe or very frequent acute attacks with major joint destruction, severe limitation, or systemic burden as described in the schedule for the DC. | Serial uric acid trends, advanced imaging, joint erosions, rheumatology notes. |
| 20–30% | Documented recurrent attacks with moderate limitation or multiple joint involvement per schedule language. | Attack frequency in records, medication history (allopurinol, etc.). |
| 10% | Milder recurrent attacks or limited joint involvement meeting the lowest compensable tier. | Urgent-care or primary-care logs of flares. |
| 0% | Diagnosis without current compensable severity. | Lab-only hyperuricemia without clinical gouty arthritis may not warrant compensation. |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.71a — DC 5017 (gout) and related entries; verify exact percentage rows.
Service connection — common paths
Direct service connection
Direct service connection may apply when the condition began in or was caused by service, or when presumptive rules apply to your era and diagnosis.
Secondary service connection
Secondary service connection may apply when another SC disability (including medication management) causes or aggravates the bone condition under 38 CFR § 3.310.
Secondary conditions sometimes pursued with Gout
Metabolic and systemic bone conditions may have complications argued as secondary when medically documented—kidney, joint, mental health, or fall-related injuries are examples.
Systemic disease may affect multiple joints; each must be evaluated under the schedule.
Fracture care and ROM limitations may be separately evaluated when supported.
Chronic disease burden may support a mental-health claim when criteria are met.
“Strong” / “Moderate” / “Developing” reflect how often these theories appear in educational materials—not a prediction of approval. Use accredited help for your specific file.
Already service-connected for something else?
Some veterans develop metabolic bone disease in connection with other SC conditions (e.g. medication effects, endocrine disease)—requires individual medical nexus analysis.
When bone or joint complications are tied to SC diabetes.
For osteoporosis context—link to SC condition prescribing steroids must be documented.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 5017 — Gout — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.71a in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Use 38 CFR § 4.71a and locate DC 5017 for the full rating table and notes.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (5017) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “5017”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 5017 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 5017 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Discuss how your evidence fits DC 5017 with a VA-accredited representative. Quick search: DC code lookup.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.