VASRD 5055 · Musculoskeletal System

Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) VA Disability Rating

Total knee joint replacement due to injury or arthritis.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Initial recovery period
60%Long-term knee problems
30%Ongoing mild discomfort or stiffness

How the VA Evaluates Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)

Surgical reports, rehab records, physical exam.

Approval rate

Very High (~90%) when post-surgery disability shown.

Annual service-connected

5,600 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Surgical op report
  • Physical therapy progress notes

Strategy Tips

  • Document impact after recovery period
  • Provide surgeon follow-up evaluations

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Failure to describe current symptoms
  • Assuming rating continues past 1-year post-op

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Filing without showing functional loss
  • No record of ongoing issues after 1 year

Onset Patterns

  • Usually after years of arthritis or knee trauma

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Hip Pain

    Altered gait

  • Low Back Pain

    Posture changes

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 5055 (Musculoskeletal System). Total knee joint replacement due to injury or arthritis.
What VA disability rating can I get for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
Possible VA ratings for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) are 100%, 60%, 30%. Examples: 100% — Initial recovery period; 60% — Long-term knee problems; 30% — Ongoing mild discomfort or stiffness.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
The average awarded rating for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) is 30%. Roughly 5,600 veterans are service-connected for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Very High (~90%) when post-surgery disability shown..
What evidence helps prove Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) claim includes: Surgical op report; Physical therapy progress notes.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis): Filing without showing functional loss; No record of ongoing issues after 1 year.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) include: Hip Pain, Low Back Pain. 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.

Open the calculator