VASRD 5263 · Musculoskeletal System – Knee/Leg

Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage VA Disability Rating

After meniscus surgery, lingering knee pain or instability may qualify for compensation.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Pain and instability after partial knee cartilage removal.

How the VA Evaluates Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage

Surgical history confirming meniscus removal, C&P exam noting symptoms such as pain or instability.

Approval rate

High – common claim with documented surgery.

Annual service-connected

38,200 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Surgical records or operative notes
  • •Orthopedic exam documenting symptoms
  • •PT records showing functional impact

Strategy Tips

  • •Include full surgical and rehab history
  • •Describe pain or instability clearly
  • •Request C&P exam focused on post-surgical knee function

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not specifying symptoms post-surgery
  • •Missing surgical confirmation
  • •Confusion with other knee conditions

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming without operative notes
  • •No follow-up showing lingering symptoms
  • •Listing generic knee pain instead of surgery-specific issue

Onset Patterns

  • •Occurs after traumatic knee injury with meniscus tear
  • •Pain may persist long after surgery

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis

    Joint surface exposed after meniscus removal leads to wear.

  • Knee Instability

    Meniscus removal reduces shock absorption and alignment.

Common questions about Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage

Is Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage under VASRD diagnostic code 5263 (Musculoskeletal System – Knee/Leg). After meniscus surgery, lingering knee pain or instability may qualify for compensation.
What VA disability rating can I get for Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage?
Possible VA ratings for Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage are 10%. Examples: 10% — Pain and instability after partial knee cartilage removal..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage?
The average awarded rating for Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage is 10%. Roughly 38,200 veterans are service-connected for Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – common claim with documented surgery..
What evidence helps prove Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage claim includes: Surgical records or operative notes; Orthopedic exam documenting symptoms; PT records showing functional impact.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage?
Common pitfalls when filing for Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage: Claiming without operative notes; No follow-up showing lingering symptoms; Listing generic knee pain instead of surgery-specific issue.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage include: Post-Traumatic Arthritis, Knee Instability. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Knee Condition – Removal of Semilunar Cartilage combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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