Amputation above the knee is rated 60 to 100 percent under diagnostic codes 5160 through 5163 based on the level: 60 percent for the middle or lower thirds of the thigh, 80 percent for the upper third, 90 percent for disarticulation, and 100 percent for trans-pelvic amputation. Special monthly compensation is paid in addition, because the amputation includes the anatomical loss of the foot.
Baker's cyst is rated by analogy under 38 CFR 4.71a DC 5099-5260/5261 based on knee range of motion limitations and functional impairment.
Chondromalacia patella is rated by analogy to traumatic arthritis under diagnostic code 5010 or by limitation of knee motion under 5260 or 5261.
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome has no dedicated diagnostic code, so VA rates it by analogy, most often under the muscle group codes for the affected compartment (for the lower leg, muscle groups XI and XII, diagnostic codes 5311 and 5312), from 0 percent for slight to 30 percent for severe muscle disability, or on neurological residuals where nerve damage dominates.
Genu recurvatum that was acquired, is traumatic in origin, and shows objective weakness and insecurity in weight bearing is rated under diagnostic code 5263 at 10 percent. Instability, limited motion, or arthritis in the same knee can rate separately under their own codes.
Iliotibial band syndrome is rated under diagnostic code 5024 by analogy to limitation of knee motion under 5260 or 5261.
Knee instability is rated under diagnostic code 5257 at 10, 20, or 30 percent based on slight, moderate, or severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.
Knee conditions are rated by limitation of motion, instability, and arthritis with painful motion using several diagnostic codes including 5260, 5261, and 5257.
Shortening of the bones of the lower extremity is rated under diagnostic code 5275 from 10 percent (1.25 to 2 inches) to 60 percent (over 4 inches), measured between the anterior superior iliac spine and the internal malleolus. The rating cannot be combined with other ratings for fracture or faulty union in the same extremity.
Meniscal cartilage damage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion is rated at 20 percent under diagnostic code 5258. Surgical removal is rated under 5259.
Patellar tendinitis is rated under 38 CFR 4.71a DC 5024 (tenosynovitis) at 10 to 20 percent based on knee range of motion and painful motion.
Prepatellar bursitis is rated under 38 CFR 4.71a DC 5019 (bursitis) at 10 to 20 percent based on limited knee motion or painful motion.
Knee bursitis is rated under diagnostic code 5019 (bursitis) by analogy to limitation of motion under 5260 or 5261 based on flexion or extension loss.
Since February 2021, shin splints have their own criteria under diagnostic code 5262: 0 percent when treated less than 12 consecutive months, 10 percent after at least 12 months of treatment unresponsive to orthotics or other conservative care, 20 percent for one leg unresponsive to both surgery and conservative care, and 30 percent when both legs are unresponsive to surgery and conservative care.
Healed stress fractures are rated on their residuals: tibia or fibula involvement under diagnostic code 5262 based on resulting knee or ankle disability (10 to 40 percent for malunion, higher for nonunion), foot stress fractures under the foot injury codes, and hip or femoral neck fractures under the hip codes. Painful motion alone supports a minimum 10 percent rating.