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Knee Condition VA Disability Rating is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5256-5263 of 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a across 3 severity tiers (40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis / 20% -- Moderate limitation / 10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
Knee conditions rated under limitation of flexion (DC 5260), extension (DC 5261), instability (DC 5257), or meniscal conditions (DC 5258-5259). Normal knee ROM is 0-140 degrees. Multiple DCs can apply to the same knee under VAOPGCPREC 23-97.
Knee Condition (DC 5256-5263) is evaluated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a using the musculoskeletal rating framework. Because it is rated by analogy to the general schedule, the 3 levels below describe the body-system criteria the VA applies — the percentage assigned to Knee Condition depends on the specific findings (range of motion, frequency, severity, or functional loss) documented at the C&P exam and in the medical record.
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.