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Evidence checklist

Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty)

DC 505538 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Nexus opinion linking total knee replacement to service-connected condition ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting the underlying condition requiring knee replacement to military service. The replacement itself is rated at 100% for 4 months post-surgery under DC 5055, then rated on residual ROM and symptoms.

Private provider · independent opinion
Post-operative knee range of motion measurements (after 1-year minimum rating period)Critical

Current orthopedic examination documenting knee flexion and extension in degrees after the minimum 1-year 100% rating period expires. The ongoing rating will be based on residual limitation of motion.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Functional assessment (stairs, ambulation distance, assistive devices)

Records documenting functional capacity including ability to climb stairs, walking distance before pain, need for cane or walker, and daily activity limitations.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Surgical records from total knee replacementCritical

Operative reports from the total knee arthroplasty, including the reason for surgery (osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis), implant type, and any intraoperative findings.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of post-operative complications or chronic symptoms

Records of chronic pain, stiffness, periprosthetic issues, revision surgeries, hardware failure, or persistent functional limitations that may support continued high-level ratings.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Knee and Lower Leg ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing knee range of motion, post-surgical status, and functional limitations after total knee replacement.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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