---
title: "DC 5258 - Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint"
diagnostic_code: "5258"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5258-dislocated-meniscus"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:02:43.886064Z"
---

# DC 5258 - Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 20% | Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint |

# Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage (Knee Meniscus) — VA Diagnostic Code 5258

**Understanding how the VA rates a dislocated semilunar cartilage with locking, pain, and joint effusion.**

## What This Condition Is

The semilunar cartilage refers to the meniscus in the knee — the crescent-shaped cartilage that cushions the joint. Under **Diagnostic Code 5258**, the VA addresses a *dislocated* semilunar cartilage that causes **frequent episodes of "locking," pain, and effusion (fluid buildup) into the joint**.

This condition falls under the **Musculoskeletal System** and is evaluated under **38 CFR § 4.71a**.

## Available Rating Level

Under Diagnostic Code 5258, there is a single disability rating available:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **20%** | Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of "locking," pain, and effusion into the joint |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under this code, the VA considers whether the semilunar cartilage is **dislocated** and whether it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

- **Frequent episodes of "locking"** in the knee joint
- **Pain**
- **Effusion** (fluid accumulation) into the joint

The presence of these features together is what the 20% evaluation describes.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (Diagnostic Code 5258, 38 CFR § 4.71a) and is provided for general educational purposes. It is not legal advice, and it does not guarantee any particular claim outcome.*

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