Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)
The VA rates Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code 5055 across 3 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis).
Rating schedule — DC 5055 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Minimum evaluation, total replacement only Note: The 30% rating is the floor for any knee replacement after the 1-year 100% period. Intermediate residuals may warrant rating by analogy to DC 5256 (ankylosis), DC 5261 (extension limitation), or DC 5262 (flexion limitation). |
| 60% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity |
| 100% | For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing Note: A 100% rating is assigned automatically for 1 year post-implantation to allow recovery. After 1 year, the VA must schedule a mandatory examination and re-rate based on residuals. |
“With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
The VA rates Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code 5055 at 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Minimum evaluation, total replacement only. The maximum 100% rating requires: For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
The VA rates Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5055, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 30% and a 100% rating for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
A 30% rating requires: Minimum evaluation, total replacement only. A 100% rating requires: For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
The key evidence for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) 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.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5055 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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