Chondromalacia Patella

DC 5014Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5014

Softening and breakdown of cartilage on the underside of the kneecap, causing anterior knee pain. Very common in military service members due to running, marching, and repetitive knee stress. The VA rates chondromalacia patella by analogy based on limitation of motion.

Rating Levels

You have chondromalacia patella with measurable limitation of knee motion, crepitus, and documented flare-ups that cause additional functional loss. Your ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform physical activities is significantly impaired.

What the VA looks for

Measurable limitation of knee flexion or extension
Crepitus with active range of motion documented
MRI showing cartilage softening or damage on patellar undersurface
Documentation of flare-ups with additional functional loss
Significant impairment in daily weight-bearing activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an MRI to document the cartilage damage — imaging evidence of cartilage changes on the patellar undersurface strongly supports the claim.
⚠Being lumped in with generic "knee pain" without receiving a specific chondromalacia diagnosis — insist on a proper diagnosis.
⚠Not documenting crepitus (grinding sensation) during the C&P exam — ask the examiner to specifically note crepitus during range of motion testing.
⚠If the condition is bilateral, not requesting separate ratings for each knee — each knee should be rated individually.

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…