VASRD 5051 · Musculoskeletal / Joint Replacement

Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) VA Disability Rating

Artificial knee joint replacing damaged knee.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe ongoing problems after surgery
60%Some function but still painful
30%Good outcome but not perfect

How the VA Evaluates Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)

Post-surgical symptoms, range of motion, strength, pain, and prosthesis effectiveness.

Approval rate

High (~85%) for veterans with documented surgery.

Annual service-connected

3,500 veterans

Average rating

60%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Surgical records
  • Orthopedic follow-up notes

Strategy Tips

  • Get recent ortho exams showing residuals
  • Compare pre- and post-op mobility

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Underreporting instability or pain
  • Incomplete mobility evaluation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Not stating surgery outcome clearly
  • Missing physical therapy records

Onset Patterns

  • Arthritis, injury, degenerative disease

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Chronic Pain

    Post-op joint issues

  • Depression

    Mobility loss

Common questions about Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)

Is Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) under VASRD diagnostic code 5051 (Musculoskeletal / Joint Replacement). Artificial knee joint replacing damaged knee.
What VA disability rating can I get for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
Possible VA ratings for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) are 100%, 60%, 30%. Examples: 100% — Severe ongoing problems after surgery; 60% — Some function but still painful; 30% — Good outcome but not perfect.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
The average awarded rating for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) is 60%. Roughly 3,500 veterans are service-connected for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~85%) for veterans with documented surgery..
What evidence helps prove Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) claim includes: Surgical records; Orthopedic follow-up notes.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis): Not stating surgery outcome clearly; Missing physical therapy records.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) include: Chronic Pain, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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