VA Diagnostic Code 5259Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic
A single 10% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic
Removal of Semilunar Cartilage, Symptomatic (Diagnostic Code 5259)
Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a
What This Rating Covers
Diagnostic Code 5259 addresses the symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage. The semilunar cartilage refers to the meniscus—the cartilage in the knee. This rating applies when that cartilage has been surgically removed and the condition remains symptomatic afterward.
Available Rating Level
Under this diagnostic code, the VA assigns a single rating level:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a claim under Diagnostic Code 5259, the VA considers whether:
- The semilunar cartilage (meniscus) has been removed, and
- The condition remains symptomatic following that removal.
This rating falls under the musculoskeletal system criteria found in 38 CFR § 4.71a.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5259. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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