VASRD 5258 · Musculoskeletal System
Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage VA Disability Rating
This code covers a torn or dislocated meniscus (semilunar cartilage) in the knee that causes recurring episodes of the joint locking, catching, or swelling. Unlike general knee arthritis, the rating here depends specifically on how often these locking and swelling episodes occur, not on imaging alone.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | A displaced meniscus that repeatedly locks the knee, hurts, and makes it swell with fluid. |
How the VA Evaluates Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage
The rating requires evidence of frequent episodes of joint locking, pain, and effusion (fluid buildup or swelling) in the knee - a single MRI finding of meniscus damage without a documented pattern of these episodes may not fully support this rating.
Approval outlook
Moderate
Veterans service-connected
~42,000 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~20%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •An MRI, since this is the imaging study that can actually visualize a torn or dislocated meniscus.
- •An orthopedic examination documenting locking, catching, or effusion findings.
- •Service medical records showing a knee injury or repetitive stress consistent with meniscus damage.
Strategy Tips
- •Document each episode of locking or swelling as it happens, including what triggered it and how long it lasted, since frequency is central to this rating.
- •Get a nexus letter connecting the meniscus damage to a specific in-service injury or repetitive stress, especially if the condition wasn't formally diagnosed until after separation.
- •Make sure an MRI is part of your evidence, since it's the imaging study that actually visualizes meniscus damage - X-rays alone often don't show it.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Symptoms that aren't present or demonstrable at the moment of the C&P exam, since locking and swelling are often episodic rather than constant.
- •Relying on a general knee X-ray instead of an MRI, since X-rays typically don't show soft-tissue meniscus damage.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not submitting an MRI, since this is the specific imaging that confirms meniscus damage.
- •Not documenting how often locking or swelling episodes occur, since frequency is the specific criterion this rating is based on.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition most often develops after a twisting knee injury or repetitive stress during service, such as running, jumping, or carrying heavy loads.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Chronic knee pain
Arthritis
Instability
Common questions about Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage
- Is Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage under VASRD diagnostic code 5258 (Musculoskeletal System). This code covers a torn or dislocated meniscus (semilunar cartilage) in the knee that causes recurring episodes of the joint locking, catching, or swelling. Unlike general knee arthritis, the rating here d…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage?
- Possible VA ratings for Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage are 20%. Examples: 20%: A displaced meniscus that repeatedly locks the knee, hurts, and makes it swell with fluid..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 42,000 veterans are service-connected for Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate.
- What evidence helps prove Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage claim includes: An MRI, since this is the imaging study that can actually visualize a torn or dislocated meniscus.; An orthopedic examination documenting locking, catching, or effusion findings.; Service medical records showing a knee injury or repetitive stre…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage: Not submitting an MRI, since this is the specific imaging that confirms meniscus damage.; Not documenting how often locking or swelling episodes occur, since frequency is the specific criterion this rating is based on..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Knee, dislocated semilunar cartilage include: Chronic knee pain, Arthritis, Instability. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5258)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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