CLAIM RECON INTEL

DC 5258-5259 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2

OVERVIEW

Dislocated semilunar cartilage (meniscal tear) is rated under DC 5258 at a maximum 20% for frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. Removal of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) is rated under DC 5259 at a maximum 10%.

RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

-Range of motion measurements

-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

-Buddy statements describing limitations

-Prescription history

-Physical therapy records

-Employment impact documentation

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.