VA Disability Rating for Knee Pain and Injuries

Every step you take sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Simple things like climbing stairs, getting out of bed, or even sitting for long periods have become daily battles. If you developed knee problems during or after your military service, you deserve compensation for this life-altering condition.

Unfortunately, the VA’s rating system for knee conditions is one of their most complex, with multiple rating codes and measurements to consider. Many veterans receive lower ratings than they deserve simply because they don’t understand how to present their case effectively.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about getting fair compensation for your service-connected knee condition.

How VA Views Knee Conditions

Your knee is a complex joint, and the VA recognizes multiple ways it can be impaired. Think of your knee’s movement like a door hinge – it needs to both bend (flexion) and straighten (extension). Problems with either movement can qualify for separate ratings.

When evaluating knee conditions, the VA looks at:

• Range of motion in both directions
• Stability of the joint
• Pain during movement
• Impact on daily activities
• Need for assistive devices

Types of VA Ratings for Knee Conditions

Limitation of Flexion (Diagnostic Code 5260)

This measures how far you can bend your knee toward your body. The ratings are:

• 30% – Can’t bend past 15 degrees
• 20% – Can’t bend past 30 degrees
• 10% – Can’t bend past 45 degrees
• 0% – Can’t bend past 60 degrees

Limitation of Extension (Diagnostic Code 5261)

This measures how straight you can make your leg. The ratings work like this:

• 50% – Can’t straighten within 45 degrees
• 40% – Can’t straighten within 30 degrees
• 30% – Can’t straighten within 20 degrees
• 20% – Can’t straighten within 15 degrees
• 10% – Can’t straighten within 10 degrees

Knee Instability (Diagnostic Code 5257)

When your knee feels loose or gives out, you might qualify for:

• 30% – Severe instability requiring both bracing and assistive devices
• 20% – Moderate instability requiring either bracing or assistive devices
• 10% – Mild instability without need for support devices

Special Rating Considerations

The Bilateral Factor

If both your knees are affected, the VA adds an extra 10% to your combined rating. Here’s how it works:

1. VA combines your individual knee ratings
2. Takes 10% of that combined rating
3. Adds it to your overall rating

Painful Motion Rule

Even if your range of motion isn’t severely limited, you can still get a 10% rating if you can prove:

• Consistent pain with movement
• Pain that affects daily activities
• Documentation of regular pain complaints

Multiple Ratings for One Knee

You can receive separate ratings for different problems in the same knee, such as:

• Both flexion and extension limitations
• Instability plus range of motion issues
• Arthritis with instability

Service Connection: Proving Your Case

Direct Service Connection

Show your knee condition:

• Started during service
• Was caused by service activities
• Got worse during service

Secondary Service Connection

Your knee problems might be caused by:

• Back conditions affecting your gait
• Other leg injuries changing how you walk
• Service-connected foot problems

Aggravation

If you had a minor knee problem before service that got significantly worse, you can claim service connection through aggravation.

Documenting Your Knee Condition for Your VA Disability Claim

Getting the right rating for your knee condition depends heavily on your medical records. VA needs to see specific types of evidence to understand how badly your knee problems affect you. Here’s what you need to have:

Medical Evidence

Gather these records:

• X-rays and MRIs
• Physical therapy notes
• Surgery records
• Treatment history
• Medication lists

Impact Evidence

Document how your knee affects:

• Work performance
• Daily activities
• Sleep patterns
• Exercise ability
• Social activities

Good documentation makes all the difference in knee claims. Keep records of every doctor visit, therapy session, and time your knee gives out. The more thoroughly you can show both your medical issues and how they impact your life, the better VA can understand your disability.

When to Get Help With Your Disability Claim

Consider seeking legal help if:

• Your claim was denied
• Your rating seems too low
• You have multiple conditions
• Your condition has worsened
• You need to appeal

At ProVet Legal, we understand how knee conditions can affect every aspect of your life. We know the VA’s rating system and how to present your case effectively to get the maximum rating you deserve.

Don’t let the VA minimize your knee condition or deny you fair compensation. Contact us today for a case review, and let our experienced team help you fight for every dollar you deserve.