Meniscus Tear

DC 5259Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5259

A tear in the rubbery cartilage cushion in your knee that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and thighbone. The VA rates meniscus tears based on whether the cartilage has been removed (DC 5259) or is dislocated with symptoms (DC 5258).

Rating Levels

You have a dislocated semilunar cartilage (meniscus) with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion (fluid buildup) in the joint. This is rated under DC 5258.

What the VA looks for

MRI showing meniscus tear or dislocation
Frequent episodes of knee locking
Knee pain on weight bearing and movement
Joint effusion (swelling/fluid) documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding the difference between DC 5259 (removal, max 10%) and DC 5258 (dislocated with symptoms, 20%) — make sure your records show locking, pain, and effusion if applicable.
⚠Not documenting knee locking episodes — the 20% rating under DC 5258 specifically requires frequent locking. Keep a log of when your knee locks up.
⚠Not filing for knee instability (DC 5257) separately — if your knee gives way or is unstable, you may be entitled to a separate rating in addition to the meniscus rating.
⚠Not filing for limitation of motion separately — knee flexion (DC 5260) and extension (DC 5261) limitations can be rated in addition to meniscus problems.
⚠Not getting an MRI to confirm the tear — imaging evidence is critical for establishing the diagnosis.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Knee and Lower Leg Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…