Symptoms after knee cartilage removal
The VA rates Symptoms after knee cartilage removal under Diagnostic Code 5259 at a single 10% level. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic.
Rating schedule — DC 5259 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 10%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Symptoms after knee cartilage removal?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic |
“Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Symptoms after knee cartilage removal in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5254Hip, flail jointRated up to 80%
- 5255Femur, impairment ofRated up to 80%
- 5256Knee, ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5257Knee, other impairment ofRated up to 30%
- 5258Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the jointRated up to 20%
- 5260Leg, limitation of flexion ofRated up to 30%
- 5261Leg, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5262Tibia and fibula, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5263Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)Rated up to 10%
- 5269Plantar fasciitisRated up to 30%
Common Questions About Symptoms after knee cartilage removal VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Symptoms after knee cartilage removal?
The VA rates Symptoms after knee cartilage removal under Diagnostic Code 5259 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic. The maximum 10% rating requires: Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Symptoms after knee cartilage removal?
The VA rates Symptoms after knee cartilage removal under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5259, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Symptoms after knee cartilage removal qualify for TDIU?
Symptoms after knee cartilage removal maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Symptoms after knee cartilage removal?
The key evidence for Symptoms after knee cartilage removal is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Symptoms after knee cartilage removal?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5259 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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