Arthritis is a form of arthropathy that involves inflammation of one or more joints, while the term arthropathy may be used regardless of whether there is inflammation or not. 

Conditions classified as non-inflammatory arthritis include: amyloidosis; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy; metabolic diseases causing osteoarthritis; neurogenic arthropathy; osteoarthritis; osteochondritis; osteochondromatosis; sickle cell disease; subsiding or early infection; and trauma.

Conditions classified as inflammatory arthritis include: gout; ankylosing spondylitis; Lyme disease; partially treated or less infectious bacterial infections; psoriatic arthritis; Reiter's syndrome; rheumatoid disease; and ulcerative colitis.

Conditions classified as septic arthritis include bacterial infections.

Conditions classified as hemorrhagic arthritis include: conditions secondary to anticoagulant treatment; hemangioma; hemophilia; neurogenic arthropathy; pigmented villonodular synovitis; scurvy; thrombocytopenia; trauma with or without fracture; and tumor.

Specific types of arthritis that may result from or are associated with infection include: Arthritis, gonorrheal (see Diagnostic Code: 5004); Arthritis, pneumococcic (see Diagnostic Code: 5005); Arthritis, typhoid (see Diagnostic Code: 5006); Arthritis, syphilitic (see Diagnostic Code: 5007); Arthritis, streptococcic (see Diagnostic Code: 5008); Rheumatic fever (see Diagnostic Code: 6309); and Ulcerative colitis (see Diagnostic Code: 7323). Arthritis may also result from trauma (see Diagnostic Code: 5010); metabolic disorders such as gout (see Diagnostic Code: 5017); and other conditions.

Joint pain is a common but non-specific sign of joint disease. Signs will depend on the specific disease, and may even then vary. Common signs may include:

• Decreased range of motion
• Stiffness
• Effusion
• Pneumarthrosis, air in a joint 
• Bone erosion 
• Systemic signs of arthritis such as fatigue

Diagnostic tests for non-gout arthropathies:

• Physical Exam: A doctor will examine the affected joints and inquire about symptoms.
• Imaging tests: These can visualize joint structures and potential damage, including:
  • X-rays: Show cartilage loss, bone damage, and bone spurs.
  • Computed Tomography (CT): Provides cross-sectional views of bone and soft tissues.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Offers detailed images of soft tissues like cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Ultrasound: Images soft tissues, cartilage, and joint fluid-containing structures.
• Laboratory Tests: Analyzing blood or joint fluid can help confirm a diagnosis and rule out other conditions:
  • Blood tests: Can help identify inflammatory and disease-specific markers. Examples include:
    • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP): Measure inflammation levels.
    • Complete blood count: Assesses overall blood health.
    • Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies: Help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Antinuclear antibody (ANA): Screens for autoimmune disorders.
  • Joint Fluid Analysis (Arthrocentesis): Fluid is drawn from the affected joint and analyzed for crystals or infection. 

Note: Specific tests may be ordered based on the suspected type of arthropathy and the patient's individual symptoms

• Medications: Pain relievers (NSAIDs), corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or specific medications targeting the underlying condition (e.g., urate-lowering therapy for gout, immunosuppressants for autoimmune conditions).
• Joint Drainage: Removing excess fluid and crystals from the joint to relieve pain and pressure.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and manage daily activities.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, low-impact exercise, and potentially dietary changes, depending on the specific condition.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged joints or perform joint replacement

The residuals will depend on the type of arthritis, and the course the disease takes; either remission within two years or persistence of joint symptoms. Persons with negative rheumatoid factors usually have good functional status in activities of daily living (ADL). Ten percent or more may eventually become severely disabled despite treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis greatly affects the life of the person living with the disease. Assistive devices may be used in the bathroom such as raised toilet seats and gripping bars. Other equipment that might be needed include: large-handled eating utensils, a wheel chair, or a cane. Risk factors which interfere with the progress made by patients include: positive rheumatoid factor; poor functional status, due to the inability to perform personal care ADL; having more then 30 inflamed joints involved; and extra-articular signs and symptoms of rheumatoid lung disease.

• The rating schedule for musculoskeletal was updated on February 7, 2021. Protection still does apply and should be considered with existing evaluations (38 CFR 3.951(a)).

• The disease must have become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within 1 year (for Hansen's disease (leprosy) and tuberculosis, within 3 years; multiple sclerosis, within 7 years) from the date of separation from service as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. See 38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) and §3.309(a) [chronic disease].

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

• Other specified forms of arthropathy include, but are not limited to, Charcot neuropathic, hypertrophic, crystalline, and other autoimmune arthropathies.

• With the types of arthritis, diagnostic codes 5004 through 5009, rate the acute phase under diagnostic code 5002; rate any chronic residuals under diagnostic code 5003.