If you developed a knee problem due to your military service and now need a replacement, you’ll want to understand the VA knee replacement rating and what VA disability you can expect for a knee replacement. This post explains.
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You’ve put it off about as long as you can, but you’re going to have to do something about your knee. Your military service caused damage to your knee that’s developed into arthritis. You’ve been taking medication for it for years, but it’s continued worsening to the point that it’s impacting your ability to walk and even work. Now your doctor is recommending that you have knee replacement surgery. It’s time to learn about the VA knee replacement rating and what you can expect.
In this article about the VA knee replacement rating:
What is a knee replacement?
A knee replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with a metal or plastic artificial joint. The replacement is meant to relieve pain and restore functioning of the knee.
A knee replacement may become necessary when knee damage severely affects your quality of life. If other treatments, like physical therapy or medications, no longer help relieve the pain or allow you to fully use your knee, your doctor may recommend a knee replacement.
Common knee conditions that might result in the need for knee replacement surgery include arthritis and bursitis, among others.
Knee problems in veterans
Veterans may be more likely to experience knee problems than the general population because of the physical demands of military service. Running, jumping, standing or walking for long periods, carrying heavy gear, and repeated impact on hard or uneven ground can stress knee joints, causing injuries and contributing to the development of conditions like arthritis. Military training activities like these and combat-related tasks may also result in knee injuries.
Due to these factors, studies suggest veterans could be more prone to more debilitating skeletal and joint concerns. In fact, limited range of motion in the knee was the second most commonly service-connected condition for VA disability in 2023.
In order to get VA disability for a knee replacement, the veteran will need to provide sufficient evidence showing their knee replacement can be connected to an incident or injury in service, or a service-connected health condition such as arthritis in the knee.
VA knee replacement rating
The VA rates knee replacements using diagnostic code 5055 in the Schedule of Ratings. Veterans are awarded 100% VA disability or $3,831.30 for four months after the knee replacement surgery. In some cases, this can be extended if you experience severe complications. Previously, this 100% rating lasted a full year, but the VA changed it to four months in 2021.
After a temporary total rating period ends, knee replacements are rated as follows:
TDIU for knee issues
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for a knee replacement and related knee issues. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.
Veterans with knee issues may struggle to stand for long periods, bend down, or move around comfortably at work. If their knee pain is caused by a condition like arthritis and it is affecting other joints, sitting, typing, lifting, and other tasks may also be difficult or even impossible. This can severely limit a person’s ability to work enough to support themselves.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
“Woods & Woods are a great firm. My process was a long one but they were professional every step of the way. I would recommend any veteran, who is looking for help in receiving benefits, call them asap. You will not be disappointed.”
J.S. a Navy veteran from North Carolina
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
How Woods & Woods can help
Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a total knee replacement can qualify for VA disability benefits if you can prove the knee condition causing you to need surgery is connected to your military service.
The VA disability rating for a knee replacement is 100% for four months after surgery. After that, it’s rated either 30% or 60%, depending on the weakness, pain, or limitation of motion you experience. 30% is the minimum VA rating for knee replacements.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
