VA Disability Rating for Bursitis
Diagnostic Code 5019 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. When these sacs become inflamed, movement of the nearby joint becomes painful. The most commonly affected areas are the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. In veterans it can follow the repetitive physical demands of military service, including running, rucking, kneeling, overhead work, and carrying heavy equipment. 38 CFR 4.71a lists DC 5019 as "Bursitis" with no percentage column. It sits under the Note to the codes from 5013 to 5024: "Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts." Shoulder bursitis is evaluated on shoulder motion under DC 5201, hip bursitis on hip motion, knee bursitis on knee motion, and so on, with two or more joints combined under 38 CFR 4.25. Where the joint's limitation of motion is noncompensable under its own code, DC 5003 provides 10 percent for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. And 38 CFR 4.59 entitles actually painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. One route is closed: DC 5003 Note (2) states that the 20 and 10 percent ratings based on X-ray findings will not be utilized for conditions under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024, so X-ray evidence of two or more joints does not produce a bursitis rating.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways | DC 5019 assigns no percentage of its own. The Note governing diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 directs: "Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts." The evaluation is therefore taken from the limitation-of-motion code for each affected joint. Where limitation of motion of the specific joint is noncompensable under the appropriate code, DC 5003 provides 10 percent for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, which must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. Under 38 CFR 4.59, actually painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, are entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. DC 5003 Note (2) bars the 20 and 10 percent ratings based on X-ray findings for conditions under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024. |
Evidence Needed
- Medical records diagnosing bursitis and linking it to service activities
- Range of motion measurements of the affected joint
- Imaging showing bursal inflammation or thickening
- Records of treatment including physical therapy, injections, and medications
- Documentation of the specific military activities that caused or worsened the condition
C&P Exam Tips
- Identify the specific joint and bursa affected
- Demonstrate your limited range of motion, especially with repeated movements
- Describe which service activities caused the condition such as running, kneeling, or carrying loads
- Mention any flare-ups and what triggers them
- Explain how the condition limits your current daily activities and work
How to File
File under DC 5019 for bursitis, and name the joint. VA will rate your bursitis based on the limitation of motion it causes in the affected joint, using the range of motion criteria for that specific joint. Make sure your range of motion is measured during the exam and that the examiner notes pain with movement. If the measured motion is noncompensable, ask for DC 5003's 10 percent for that major joint or group of minor joints and for the 38 CFR 4.59 minimum compensable rating for a painful joint.
Common Mistakes
- Not specifying which joint is affected in the claim.
- Failing to report painful motion even when range of motion appears normal.
- Not documenting the repetitive military activities that caused the condition.
- Not mentioning how symptoms worsen with repetitive use throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does VA rate bursitis specifically?
VA rates bursitis based on the limitation of motion it causes in the affected joint. For example, shoulder bursitis is rated under the shoulder motion criteria, and knee bursitis under the knee motion criteria. If your motion is noncompensable under the joint's own code, DC 5003 provides 10 percent for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, and if the joint is actually painful, 38 CFR 4.59 entitles it to at least the minimum compensable rating for that joint.
Can I get rated for bursitis in multiple joints?
Yes, if you have bursitis in more than one joint, each affected joint can be rated separately based on its own limitation of motion, and the results combine under 38 CFR 4.25. This is common for veterans who had physically demanding military jobs.
Can X-ray evidence of two or more joints get me 10 or 20 percent?
No. DC 5003's Note (2) states that the 20 and 10 percent ratings based on X-ray findings will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024, inclusive. DC 5019 sits inside that block, so the evaluation has to come from measured limitation of motion, from DC 5003's 10 percent per joint where that limitation is noncompensable, or from 38 CFR 4.59 for a painful joint.