While on active duty I was diagnosed with a "Dislocating Patella & Chondromalacia" in my left knee from a "broken" knee-cap. I had surgery to remove the "loose body" that was wrecking my knee (part of the cartilage from the underside of my knee-cap, re-alignment of ligaments and to clean the Mincius within my knee. In my medical record it plainly states that while completing this procedure part of my knee cartilage was removed. Although the knee is often VERY sore, and swells up – but it is considerably better than prior to surgery!
My question is - would this type of procedure normally warrant a rating under # 5259 "Cartilage, Semilunar, removal of, Symptomatic . . . . 10%" . To me, strictly with only a layman's understanding of the ratings and diagnostic codes; it sounds right – but was hoping to find out from someone who knows. The C & P doctor diagnossed it as "Degenerative Joint Desease"
Thanks in advance - Jim