What happens during a C&P exam for Osteochondritis Dissecans?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Osteochondritis Dissecans?

Osteochondritis Dissecans (DC 5299) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299. Per § 4.20: rate by analogy under DC 5258 (frequent locking-pain-effusion triad from loose chondral fragment = 20%); OR DC 5259 (cartilage removal residual = 10%); OR DC 5003 (early degenerative changes — apply § 4.59 painful-motion floor). For knee OCD specifically, also consider DC 5257 (Knee instability) if associated with mechanical instability.

Q: What rates 0% for Osteochondritis Dissecans under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 0% rating for Osteochondritis Dissecans requires: Per § 4.20: rate by analogy under DC 5258 (frequent locking-pain-effusion triad from loose chondral fragment = 20%); OR DC 5259 (cartilage removal residual = 10%); OR DC 5003 (early degenerative changes — apply § 4.59 painful-motion floor). For knee OCD specifically, also consider DC 5257 (Knee instability) if associated with mechanical instability.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Osteochondritis Dissecans VA claim?

Key evidence for a Osteochondritis Dissecans claim includes: 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. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 5299 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 | 

✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.71a (Musculoskeletal system) · reviewed 2026-05-27 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team

Osteochondritis Dissecans is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5299 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 across 1 severity tier (0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

OVERVIEW

Subchondral bone death from impaired blood flow causing overlying cartilage to separate and form loose bodies within the joint

RATING CRITERIA (1 LEVELS)

Per § 4.20: rate by analogy under DC 5258 (frequent locking-pain-effusion triad from loose chondral fragment = 20%); OR DC 5259 (cartilage removal residual = 10%); OR DC 5003 (early degenerative changes — apply § 4.59 painful-motion floor). For knee OCD specifically, also consider DC 5257 (Knee instability) if associated with mechanical instability.

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.

Secondary Conditions Explorer

736 secondaries mapped

Calculate Your Rating

VA math + dollar impact

RELATED TOOLS

Rating Calculator Secondaries Map C&P Exam Prep PACT Act Scanner 2026 Rates

SOURCES & EDITORIAL

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a (Musculoskeletal system). Source verified 2026-05-27 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

→ View § 4.71a on eCFR → Cornell Law mirror → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

LOADING