---
title: "DC 5259 - Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic"
diagnostic_code: "5259"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5259-meniscus-removal"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:50:27.541873Z"
---

# DC 5259 - Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | 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**.

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