Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty)

DC 5055Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5055

A surgical procedure where a damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial one. After a total knee replacement, the VA grants a temporary 100% rating for one year following surgery, then rates based on residual symptoms.

Rating Levels

You have chronic residuals after your knee replacement consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity.

What the VA looks for

Severe painful motion documented
Weakness in the affected extremity
Chronic residuals post-surgery
Ongoing functional impairment despite prosthesis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing you automatically receive 100% for one year after surgery — make sure your effective date is set to the date of surgery, and schedule a follow-up C&P exam before the year ends.
⚠After the 100% year, the VA must rate you at least 30% — this is the minimum. If you have ongoing severe pain or weakness, push for the 60% rating.
⚠Not documenting ongoing pain, weakness, and limitations after recovery — the difference between 30% and 60% depends on the severity of chronic residuals.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — knee replacement can cause altered gait leading to hip problems, back pain, and opposite knee issues.

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…