CLAIM RECON | CONDITIONS

Knee VA Disability Rating

DC 5256-5263 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | Musculoskeletal System

NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE VA|Educational tools only - not legal advice▼

Understanding Knee Ratings

The knee is one of the most commonly rated joints in VA disability. It can be rated under multiple diagnostic codes simultaneously under VAOPGCPREC 23-97 and VAOPGCPREC 9-98. For example, a veteran can receive separate ratings for limitation of flexion (DC 5260), limitation of extension (DC 5261), AND instability (DC 5257) for the same knee.

Per M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.A, the DeLuca factors (pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination) must be considered. Per Sharp v. Shulkin (2017), examiners must estimate ROM during flare-ups. Per Correia v. McDonald (2017), active, passive, and weight-bearing ROM must be tested. Each knee is rated independently and the bilateral factor under 38 C.F.R. § 4.26 applies when both knees are rated.

Diagnostic Codes for Knee

DC 5256Ankylosis of the knee

30% (favorable), 40% (full extension 0-10°), 50% (full extension 10-20°), 60% (extremely unfavorable)

DC 5257Recurrent subluxation or lateral instability

10% (slight), 20% (moderate), 30% (severe)

DC 5258Dislocated semilunar cartilage (meniscus)

20% with locking, pain, effusion

DC 5259Removal of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy)

10% (symptomatic)

DC 5260Limitation of flexion

0% (60°), 10% (45°), 20% (30°), 30% (15°)

DC 5261Limitation of extension

0% (5°), 10% (10°), 20% (15°), 30% (20°), 40% (30°), 50% (45°)

DC 5262Impairment of tibia and fibula

10% (slight knee/ankle disability), 20% (moderate), 30% (marked), 40% (nonunion with loose motion)

DC 5263Genu recurvatum

10%

Secondary Conditions Linked to Knee

Under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310 | Per M21-1, Part IV.ii.1.C

Opposite Knee (Secondary)STRONG

DC 5256-5263 | Typical: 10%, 20%

Compensatory overloading from favoring the service-connected knee causes contralateral knee degeneration.

Hip Condition (Secondary)MODERATE

DC 5252-5255 | Typical: 10%, 20%

Altered gait mechanics from knee disability cause hip joint stress.

Back Condition (Secondary)MODERATE

DC 5237-5243 | Typical: 10%, 20%

Altered gait and weight distribution from knee disability aggravate lumbar spine.

Ankle Condition (Secondary)MODERATE

DC 5270-5274 | Typical: 10%, 20%

Knee instability and altered biomechanics transfer stress to the ankle joint.

Depression / AnxietyMODERATE

DC 9434/9413 | Typical: 30%, 50%

Chronic pain and limited mobility from knee disability cause secondary mental health conditions.

Peripheral Neuropathy (Lower)WEAK-MOD

DC 8520 | Typical: 10%, 20%

Post-surgical nerve damage or chronic inflammation. Document numbness/tingling around surgical site.

Scars (Surgical)STRONG

DC 7801-7805 | Typical: 0%, 10%

Arthroscopic or TKR surgical scars. Painful or unstable scars rated separately.

Calculate Rating Full Secondary Explorer C&P Prep

LOADING