★ Musculoskeletal
Knee Meniscal Tear VA Rating (DC 5258 / 5259)
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5258 and 5259
Overview
The rating schedule calls the meniscus the semilunar cartilage. DC 5258 covers a dislocated cartilage with the classic triad — frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint.
DC 5259 covers symptomatic residuals after removal of the cartilage, whether by partial or total meniscectomy.
Each is a single, fixed percentage: 20% for DC 5258, 10% for DC 5259. There is no ladder above those figures under these codes.
Meniscal pathology frequently travels with arthritis and with motion loss, which are evaluated under their own codes.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: an in-service twisting injury, fall, parachute landing, or documented knee complaint followed by continuity of symptoms.
- Secondary under 38 CFR § 3.310: meniscal degeneration in a knee overloaded by a service-connected condition on the other side.
- Aggravation: a pre-service tear that measurably worsened beyond natural progression during service.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5258 and 5259
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Symptomatic residuals following removal of semilunar cartilage (DC 5259). |
| 20% | Dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint (DC 5258). |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- MRI reports identifying the tear, its location, and whether it is displaced or bucket-handle.
- Operative and arthroscopy reports for meniscectomy or repair, including how much cartilage was removed.
- Treatment records documenting locking, catching, swelling, or aspirated effusion.
- Ongoing records showing symptoms persisted after surgery, which is what DC 5259 addresses.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Knee Meniscal Tear:
What the C&P Exam Documents
General information about how this condition is typically evaluated. This is not coaching on what to say and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.
- →Effusion is a documentable finding — clinic visits for a swollen knee, aspiration notes, and imaging that mentions joint fluid all speak to the DC 5258 criteria.
- →The word locking has a specific meaning here: the knee mechanically catches or will not straighten, not simply stiffness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
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Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Related Conditions
Knee Conditions
Limitation of flexion/extension, instability, and meniscus ratings.
Knee Instability (Subluxation)
Recurrent subluxation or lateral instability rated separately from range of motion under DC 5257.
Knee Arthritis (Degenerative / Traumatic)
X-ray confirmed knee arthritis rated under DC 5003/5010 when motion loss is non-compensable.
Total Knee Replacement
100% for one year after implantation, then a minimum 30% based on residuals under DC 5055.