Joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown not caused by injury or trauma.
Because this condition can be rated two ways, the evidence that helps depends on which path applies to you.
For ratings based on limitation of motion, VA looks for objective findings that confirm restricted movement. Medical records showing swelling, muscle spasm, or painful motion on examination are key. Range-of-motion measurements from a VA or private examination, along with notes describing which specific joints are affected and how severely movement is reduced, directly support this path.
For ratings based on X-ray findings alone, imaging reports are central. X-rays that identify degenerative changes in two or more major joints — such as both knees or a knee and a hip — or two or more minor joint groups support the 10 percent level. If you also experience flare-ups severe enough to be incapacitating, treatment records documenting those episodes, emergency or urgent care visits tied to them, and your own statements describing how often they occur and how they affect your work and daily activities can support the 20 percent level.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
