What CFR section governs Knee Conditions (Limited Motion / Instability / Arthritis) ratings?

38 CFR 4.71a — Diagnostic Codes 5256-5263 (knee + leg). Always verify current criteria at va.gov before filing.

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% →

50%

Limited extension to 45°, OR severe ankylosis.

$ pay rate at 50% →

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.

VA Form 21-526EZ → Find a free CVSO →

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 in every U.S. county.