Knee conditions are the second most common VA disability claim behind tinnitus, with over 1.5 million veterans service-connected for some form of knee impairment. The VA rates knee conditions under several diagnostic codes, and understanding which one applies to your condition can make a significant difference in your rating.
Limitation of Flexion (DC 5260)
This is the most common knee rating path. Flexion is how far you can bend your knee. Normal flexion is 0–140 degrees. The VA rates limited flexion as follows: 10% if flexion is limited to 45 degrees, 20% if limited to 30 degrees, 30% if limited to 15 degrees. If your flexion is between these thresholds, you’re rated at the lower percentage.
At your C&P exam, the examiner measures your range of motion with a goniometer. Stop moving when you feel pain — not when movement becomes impossible. The VA is required to consider painful motion, and you should not push through pain just to show you can.
Instability (DC 5257)
If your knee gives way, locks, or is unstable, you may qualify under DC 5257 for instability. Ratings: 10% (slight), 20% (moderate), 30% (severe). Instability can be rated in addition to or instead of range of motion limitations, and the VA must assign the rating that produces the highest combined evaluation.
Secondary Conditions That Stack
Service-connected knee conditions frequently cause secondary disabilities. Hip and back conditions caused by altered gait from a bad knee are commonly service-connected secondary. If you’ve developed hip arthritis or lumbar strain because you’ve been compensating for a bad knee for years, those can be rated separately — and they add to your combined rating.
Bilateral Factor
If both knees are service-connected, the VA applies a 10% bilateral factor to the combined rating of both knees before combining with other disabilities. This is free money that many veterans don’t know about. Make sure your claim clearly establishes service connection for both knees if both are affected.
Can I rate both instability and limited flexion on the same knee?
Generally no — the VA rates under whichever code gives the highest evaluation and doesn’t pyramid (double-count the same symptoms). However, if you have instability and limited extension, those may be rated separately as they address different functional deficits.
What if my knee got worse after my initial rating?
File for an increase. Knee conditions often worsen over time, especially with age. If your current rating no longer reflects your actual limitation, a new C&P exam with updated range of motion measurements can support a higher rating.