Knee injuries are one of the most prevalent service-connected conditions, especially among infantry, airborne, and special operations veterans. The VA rates knee conditions under multiple diagnostic codes, and understanding which code applies to your injury can mean the difference between a 10% and a 30% rating.
The Two Main Ways the VA Rates Knees
The VA rates knee conditions in two primary ways — range of motion limitation and instability. You can be rated under both simultaneously if both apply, and the VA will use the higher of the two ratings.
Rating Based on Range of Motion (DC 5260/5261)
The VA measures how far you can flex (bend) and extend (straighten) your knee.
| Rating | Flexion Limited To | Monthly Pay (Alone) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Less than 60° | $180.42 |
| 20% | Less than 45° | $356.71 |
| 30% | Less than 30° | $553.31 |
| Rating | Extension Limited To |
|---|---|
| 10% | Greater than 10° |
| 20% | Greater than 20° |
| 30% | Greater than 30° |
| 40% | Greater than 40° |
| 50% | Greater than 50° |
Rating Based on Instability (DC 5257)
If your knee is unstable — gives way, locks up, or has abnormal lateral movement — it can be rated under DC 5257 separately from or instead of range of motion.
| Rating | Instability Level |
|---|---|
| 10% | Slight instability |
| 20% | Moderate instability |
| 30% | Severe instability |
You can receive separate ratings for range of motion AND instability on the same knee if both are present. A 20% for limited flexion plus a 20% for moderate instability combine to give you a higher overall knee rating.
Painful Motion — Don't Overlook This
Even if your range of motion measurements fall within normal ranges, if movement causes pain, you are entitled to at minimum a 10% rating under the "painful motion" rule. During your C&P exam, explicitly state "that movement causes pain" — don't just comply silently. The examiner must note painful motion.
The Bilateral Factor for Two Bad Knees
If both knees are service-connected, the bilateral factor applies — the VA adds a 10% bonus to the combined value of the two knee ratings before combining with your other disabilities. Veterans with injuries to both knees should always ensure both are claimed and rated.
Secondary Conditions From Knee Injuries
- Hip conditions — altered gait from knee pain leads to hip joint damage over time
- Back conditions — compensating for knee pain strains the lumbar spine
- Depression/anxiety — chronic pain from knee injuries frequently causes secondary mental health conditions
- Sleep disorders — pain disrupting sleep may support a secondary sleep condition claim
What to Do at Your C&P Exam
- Don't take pain medication or anti-inflammatories before the exam if possible — you want the examiner to see your actual condition
- Walk normally — don't try to hide your limp or altered gait
- Describe locking, giving way, swelling, and pain explicitly
- Mention how the knee affects your daily activities — stairs, sitting for long periods, standing, exercise
- Bring any imaging (X-rays, MRI) that shows structural damage
See Your Monthly Pay With Your Knee Rating
Open Pay Calculator →Bottom Line
Knee conditions are frequently underrated when veterans don't know the specific measurements the VA uses. Know your flexion and extension angles, document instability, invoke the painful motion rule, and file secondary conditions. With bilateral knees claimed, the bilateral factor further boosts your combined rating — making knee claims one of the most strategically important to get right.