Surgical replacement or resurfacing of the knee joint with an artificial implant.
During the initial period after surgery, medical records confirming the date of implantation or resurfacing and the date of hospital discharge help establish when the 100% and § 4.30 ratings begin and end.
Once the 100% period closes, the evidence that matters depends on your remaining symptoms. For a 60% rating after total replacement, records showing severe painful motion or marked weakness in the affected leg are key. This includes orthopedic or physical therapy notes describing range-of-motion measurements, strength testing, and pain levels during movement. Imaging that documents implant position or hardware issues can also be relevant.
For ratings between 30% and 60%, or for resurfacing rated under codes 5256 through 5262, range-of-motion measurements from VA or private exams are central. Goniometer readings taken during flare-ups are particularly useful if motion is worse at those times. Your own statements, and those of people who observe you daily, describing how pain, stiffness, or weakness limits walking, stair climbing, standing, or work tasks can support what the exam findings show.
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.
