Torn knee cartilage that causes the joint to lock, swell, or cause pain repeatedly.
To support a rating under this code, your records need to show the three features the regulation names: frequent locking episodes, pain, and effusion into the knee joint. Medical records documenting repeated incidents where the knee locks or catches — noted by a treating provider or recorded after emergency or clinic visits — directly address the "frequent locking" requirement. Imaging or clinical exam findings that show fluid in the joint at multiple points in time support the effusion criterion. Provider notes recording knee pain at those same visits tie to the pain requirement. Statements from you or people who know you describing how often locking occurs and how it affects walking, climbing stairs, standing at work, or other daily activities can help show the frequency and functional impact that the regulation requires.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
