Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage (Meniscus Lock)

DC 5258Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5258

A displaced or torn meniscus (the C-shaped cartilage pad in the knee) that causes the knee to lock, catch, or give way. This condition is common among veterans who experienced knee injuries during physical training, airborne operations, or combat. The VA rates dislocated semilunar cartilage at a single fixed rating based on the presence of symptoms.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5258

Rating range

20% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5258. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have a dislocated meniscus with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion (swelling) into the joint. This is the only rating level available under DC 5258.

What the VA looks for

MRI or arthroscopy confirming meniscal tear or displacement
Frequent episodes of knee locking documented
Recurrent joint effusion (swelling) on examination
Knee pain with activity documented in treatment records
Positive McMurray or Thessaly test on examination

Common Pitfalls

⚠Settling for only DC 5258 — if you also have limitation of flexion or extension, you can receive separate ratings under DC 5260 and DC 5261. The meniscus rating is in addition to range-of-motion ratings if the symptoms are distinct.
⚠Not documenting locking episodes — keep a symptom log of every time your knee locks or catches, including the date, activity, and duration. The word "frequent" in the criteria requires documented episodes.
⚠Forgetting to report knee instability — if your meniscus tear also causes the knee to give way, you may qualify for a separate rating under DC 5257 for lateral instability.
⚠Not getting an MRI — while clinical tests can suggest a meniscal tear, MRI confirmation provides the strongest evidence for your claim.

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…

Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage (Meniscus Lock)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5258

Rating range

20% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have a dislocated meniscus with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion (swelling) into the joint. This is the only rating level available under DC 5258.

What the VA looks for

MRI or arthroscopy confirming meniscal tear or displacement
Frequent episodes of knee locking documented
Recurrent joint effusion (swelling) on examination
Knee pain with activity documented in treatment records
Positive McMurray or Thessaly test on examination

Common Pitfalls

⚠Settling for only DC 5258 — if you also have limitation of flexion or extension, you can receive separate ratings under DC 5260 and DC 5261. The meniscus rating is in addition to range-of-motion ratings if the symptoms are distinct.

⚠Not documenting locking episodes — keep a symptom log of every time your knee locks or catches, including the date, activity, and duration. The word "frequent" in the criteria requires documented episodes.

⚠Forgetting to report knee instability — if your meniscus tear also causes the knee to give way, you may qualify for a separate rating under DC 5257 for lateral instability.

⚠Not getting an MRI — while clinical tests can suggest a meniscal tear, MRI confirmation provides the strongest evidence for your claim.