Knee Condition VA Disability Rating: What Veterans Need to Know

How the VA Rates Knee Conditions

Knee conditions can be rated under multiple diagnostic codes simultaneously, which means you can receive more than one rating for the same knee. This is one of the most important things veterans miss.

Limitation of Flexion (DC 5260)

Rating	Flexion Limited To
0%	60°
10%	45°
20%	30°
30%	15°

Limitation of Extension (DC 5261)

Rating	Extension Limited To
0%	5°
10%	10°
20%	15°
30%	20°
40%	30°
50%	45°

Instability (DC 5257)

Rating	Severity
10%	Slight instability
20%	Moderate instability
30%	Severe instability

The Key Insight: Separate Ratings

You can receive separate ratings for:

• Limitation of flexion
• Limitation of extension
• Instability

This means a single knee can generate ratings under 2-3 diagnostic codes. For example: 10% for limited flexion + 10% for instability = higher combined rating.

Common Mistakes

• Only claiming one diagnostic code when multiple apply
• Not reporting instability ("giving way") during C&P exam
• Not documenting how the knee affects stairs, kneeling, prolonged standing
• Missing the bilateral factor if both knees are affected