Knee and Lower Leg Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960M-9 (Knee and Lower Leg Conditions DBQ) after examining you. This walkthrough helps you prepare them. The DBQ is a standardized questionnaire; your doctor's answers directly determine your VA rating. Brief them on these specific points before the exam so nothing important is missed or underdocumented.

Common mistakes

• ×Asking your doctor to just "fill out the VA form" without briefing them - an uninformed completion is often generic and leads to lower ratings.
• ×Bringing the DBQ to a provider who has never seen you before - your treating physician who knows your history will write the most credible documentation.
• ×Going to the exam and waiting for the doctor to ask questions - come prepared with specific examples of your worst days and functional limitations.

These are the key clinical questions from the Knee and Lower Leg Conditions DBQ. Help your doctor understand what each question is asking and give them concrete examples for your situation. Print this section and bring it to the appointment. 1. What is the range of motion of the knee? WHY IT MATTERS: Flexion and extension limitations rated separately TIPS: Stop at point of pain; You can receive separate ratings for flexion AND extension 2. Is there objective evidence of painful motion? WHY IT MATTERS: Pain can support higher rating TIPS: Describe where pain begins during movement 3. Is there any joint instability? WHY IT MATTERS: Instability (5257) is rated SEPARATELY from motion TIPS: Report any giving way or locking; Mention if you use a brace 4. Is there any meniscal condition? WHY IT MATTERS: Meniscal issues can warrant separate rating TIPS: Report episodes of locking, pain, effusion

Common mistakes

• ×Not knowing you can get multiple ratings for one knee
• ×Forgetting to mention instability symptoms
• ×Not reporting use of brace or assistive devices

VA raters use the Knee and Lower Leg Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Flexion limitation (5260) 2. Extension limitation (5261) 3. Recurrent subluxation/instability (5257) 4. Meniscal conditions (5258/5259) 5. All can be rated SEPARATELY if present For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Pushing through pain during ROM testing

Authority

• 38 CFR 4.1 - Functional impairment as the basis for rating.

Preparation checklist for the Knee and Lower Leg Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Bring any knee braces you use 2. Document episodes of giving way or locking 3. Know you may qualify for 3+ separate ratings per knee 4. Describe impact on walking, stairs, and standing Remember: Describe your WORST days, not your average days. VA raters evaluate the full range of your disability including its worst manifestations.

Common mistakes

• ×Describing your best days or average functioning instead of your worst - VA rates the full range of disability.
• ×Minimizing symptoms out of stoicism or pride - accurate documentation is not exaggeration; it is honesty.
• ×Not mentioning secondary symptoms, side effects, or additional conditions the doctor may not ask about.