---
title: "DC 5055 - Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)"
diagnostic_code: "5055"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5055-knee-replacement"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:18:04.835055Z"
---

# DC 5055 - Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

Prosthetic replacement of knee joint. With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion rate by analogy to diagnostic codes 5256, 5261, or 5262.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing |
| 60% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity |
| 30% | Minimum evaluation, total replacement only |

## Notes

- Note (1): When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or the prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051-5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
- Note (2): Only evaluate a revision procedure in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051-5056 if all the original components are replaced.
- Note (3): The term âprosthetic replacementâ in diagnostic codes 5051-5053 and 5055-5056 means a total replacement of the named joint. However, in DC 5054, âprosthetic replacementâ means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.
- Note (4): The 100 percent rating for 1 year following implantation of prosthesis will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (5): The 100 percent rating for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing under DCs 5054 and 5055 will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (6): Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100 percent rating period the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.
- Note: At the conclusion of the 100 percent evaluation period, evaluate resurfacing under diagnostic codes 5256 through 5262; there is no minimum evaluation for resurfacing.

# Knee Replacement or Resurfacing (Prosthesis) — VA Diagnostic Code 5055

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5055 covers the **prosthetic replacement of the knee joint**. Under the VA rating schedule, the term "prosthetic replacement" for this code means a **total replacement of the knee joint** (Note 3).

If you have had a knee replacement or resurfacing procedure, the VA assigns your disability rating based on where you are in the recovery timeline and, later, on the residual effects the procedure leaves behind.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA uses the following rating "ladder" for Diagnostic Code 5055:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | For 4 months following implantation of the prosthesis or resurfacing |
| **60%** | Chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity |
| **30%** | Minimum evaluation — total replacement only |

For **intermediate degrees** of residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion, the VA rates the condition **by analogy** to Diagnostic Codes 5256, 5261, or 5262.

## How the Rating Timeline Works

- **100% for 4 months:** The 100 percent rating following implantation of a prosthesis or resurfacing begins after the initial 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge (Note 5).
- **Special monthly compensation:** During the 100 percent rating period, special monthly compensation may be assignable from the earliest date that permanent use of crutches is established (Note 6).
- **After the 100% period:** For **resurfacing**, the VA evaluates the condition under Diagnostic Codes 5256 through 5262 once the 100 percent evaluation period ends, and **there is no minimum evaluation for resurfacing**. (The 30% minimum evaluation applies to total replacement only.)

## What the VA Looks For

When rating under Diagnostic Code 5055, the VA considers:

- **The type of procedure** — whether it was a total joint replacement or a resurfacing, and (for revisions) whether all original components were replaced. A revision procedure is only evaluated the same way as the original procedure if all the original components are replaced (Note 2).
- **Your position in the recovery timeline** — the 100 percent rating applies for the defined post-implantation period.
- **Chronic residuals** — such as **severe painful motion or weakness** in the affected extremity, which supports the 60% level.
- **Intermediate residuals** — degrees of weakness, pain, or limitation of motion that are rated by analogy to Diagnostic Codes 5256, 5261, or 5262.

## Important Notes

- When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or prosthetic replacement of a joint under Diagnostic Codes 5051–5056, an **additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that same joint**, unless otherwise directed (Note 1).

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a