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.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 5055

Rating range

30% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5055. 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 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 →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty) or rated under the same body system.

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal·Possible secondary

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological·Possible secondary

DVT Residuals — Hematologic (Post-Thrombotic Syndrome)

DC 7121·Hematologic/Lymphatic·Possible secondary

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5055

Rating range

30% – 60%

Rating levels

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.