VA Disability Rating Guide
Knee Conditions (Limited Motion / Instability / Arthritis) — VA disability rating
38 CFR 4.71a — Diagnostic Codes 5256-5263 (knee + leg)
Each knee rated separately. DC 5260 (limited flexion), 5261 (limited extension), 5257 (instability), 5003 (arthritis).
Rating tiers
10%
Limited knee flexion to 45°, OR limited extension to 10°, OR slight instability/recurrent subluxation, OR painful motion with X-ray evidence of arthritis.
$ pay rate at 10% →
20%
Limited flexion to 30°, OR limited extension to 15°, OR moderate instability.
$ pay rate at 20% →
30%
Limited flexion to 15°, OR limited extension to 20°, OR severe instability/recurrent subluxation.
$ pay rate at 30% →
40%
Limited extension to 30°, OR ankylosis in unfavorable angle, OR multiple criteria combined.
$ pay rate at 40% →
60%
Total knee replacement: 60% for first year post-surgery (then re-rated based on residuals).
$ pay rate at 60% →
Evidence checklist
- C&P examination measuring flexion + extension in degrees, plus instability assessment (Lachman, McMurray, drawer test)
- Imaging (X-ray for arthritis, MRI for soft-tissue damage)
- In-service knee injury documentation (sick call, line-of-duty)
- Treatment records: physical therapy, surgery (meniscectomy, ACL repair, total knee replacement)
Common filing mistakes
- Filing only one rating for a knee that has BOTH limited motion AND instability — these can be rated separately and combined
- Not claiming the contralateral knee — many veterans develop opposite-knee problems from gait-compensation; this is secondary service-connection
- Not claiming hip or back issues secondary to knee gait changes
How to file
File VA Form 21-526EZ with the diagnosis evidence above. A free CVSO will assemble your claim and file it on your behalf at no cost.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Vet Centers offer free counseling for combat veterans and MST survivors.
Related conditions
Other VA rating guides
About this guide
VA disability rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). Criteria are subject to revision; always verify current rules at va.gov/disability/ before filing. This page is informational and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a CVSO, VSO representative, or VA-accredited attorney. Free claim help available from CVSOs and VSOs.