Search VA regulations and diagnostic codes
One box across 38 CFR, the M-21-1 adjudication manual and the VA rating schedule. Every result opens the full text with a link to the official source.
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55 results for “knee instability”
- Regulation section: Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section BM-21-1
Musculoskeletal Disabilities of the Extremities and Spine
V.iii.1.B.4.d. Separate Evaluations for Knee Instability and LOM A separate evaluation for knee instability may be assigned in addition to any evaluation(s) assigned based on limitation of knee motion. The Office of General Counsel has issued precedent opinions that an evaluation under [38 CFR…
- Diagnostic code: DC 5257Musculoskeletal System
Knee, other impairment of:
Rated under § 4.71a
- Regulation section: Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section DM-21-1
Evaluating Disabilities
A claim for increase is received. The resultant examination shows no instability of the left knee but does show arthritis and pain related to the SC injury. In this situation, the 10-percent evaluation assigned under [38 CFR 4.71a, DC…
- Regulation section: Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section AM-21-1
Effective Dates
Example 1: A Veteran claims SC for a knee condition with pain on March 21, 2015. There are no post-service treatment records submitted with the claim. Service treatment records (STRs) do show treatment for chronic knee pain and complaints of instability during service. The VA examination dated…
- Regulation section: § 4.71a38 CFR
Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system.
| | Rating | | --- | --- | | 5256 Knee, ankylosis of: | | | Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45° or more | 60 | | In flexion between 20° and 45° | 50 | | In flexion between 10° and 20° | 40 | | Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0° and 10° | 30 |…
- Regulation section: Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section AM-21-1
Determining the Issues
V.ii.3.A.2.d. Considering an Unclaimed Primary Disability Associated With a Claimed Complication or Secondary Condition When a claim for SC for a disability is pending and subsequent development of the claim reveals that the claimed disability is caused by an unclaimed disability that may be…
- Diagnostic code: DC 5239Musculoskeletal System
Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability
Rated under § 4.71a
- Diagnostic code: DC 5256Musculoskeletal System
Knee, ankylosis of:
Rated under § 4.71a
- Diagnostic code: DC 5010Musculoskeletal System
Post-traumatic arthritis
Rate as limitation of motion, dislocation, or other specified instability under the affected joint. If there are 2 or more joints affected, each rating shall be combined in accordance with § 4.25.
- Diagnostic code: DC 5263Musculoskeletal System
Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)
Rated under § 4.71a
- Regulation section: Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section AM-21-1
Painful Motion and Functional Loss
V.iii.1.A.4.b. Compensable Limitation of One Motion With Pain in Another Motion _Situation_ : Evaluation of knee tenosynovitis with the following examination findings: · Flexion is limited to 45 degrees with pain at that point and no additional loss with repetitive motion. · Extension is…
- Diagnostic code: DC 5055Musculoskeletal System
Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)
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.
- Regulation section: Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section CM-21-1
Insufficient Examinations
Example: An examination requested in connection with a claim for a knee condition was not completed because “the claimed condition was not documented and diagnosed in the service treatment records on examiner review.” If the rating activity determines that such examination is needed, the…
- Diagnostic code: DC 5258Musculoskeletal System
Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint
Rated under § 4.71a
- Regulation section: Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section BM-21-1
Evidentiary Standards for Finding an Examination or Opinion Necessary
Example 1: The Veteran claimed SC for a knee disability. There was one complaint of knee pain in service with a negative separation examination. No other lay or medical evidence was submitted in support of the claim. Analysis: The Veteran’s current claim provided no medical evidence…
- Diagnostic code: DC 5259Musculoskeletal System
Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic
Rated under § 4.71a
- Regulation section: Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section DM-21-1
Other Temporary Total Evaluations
VIII.iv.8.D.2.a. Example 1: Staged Rating of Definite Period of Schedular Temporary Total Evaluation Facts: The determination involves a prospective increased rating for a knee replacement under [38 CFR 4.71a, DC…
- Regulation section: Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section AM-21-1
Applications for Benefits
Form 21-526EZ_](<http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526ez-ARE.pdf>). Left knee condition can be accepted as a supplemental claim because the [_VA Form 20-0995_](<https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-20-0995-ARE.pdf>) is the prescribed form for supplemental claims, potentially new evidence was…
- Regulation section: § 3.15138 CFR
Claims for disability benefits.
(2) With respect to service-connected disability compensation, an issue for purposes of paragraph (c)(1) of this section is defined as entitlement to compensation for a particular disability. For example, if a decision adjudicates service-connected disability compensation for both a knee condition…
- Diagnostic code: DC 5260Musculoskeletal System
Leg, limitation of flexion of:
Rated under § 4.71a
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