Knee instability
The VA rates Knee instability under Diagnostic Code 5257 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 30%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together. There is 1 documented secondary condition linked to Knee instability.
Catalog name: Knee, other impairment of.
Rating schedule · DC 5257 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
Where this code is published
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Knee instability?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability of the knee: Minimal, with only occasional buckling or giving way without significant functional impact. Note: Objective evidence of instability required (e.g., Lachman test, stress X-rays). |
| 10% | Sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or complete ligament tear (repaired, unrepaired, or failed repair) causing persistent instability, without a prescription from a medical provider for an assistive device (cane(s), crutch(es), walker) or bracing for ambulation e.g., Note: Objective evidence of instability required (e.g., Lachman test, stress X-rays). DC 5257 has no 0% tier; minimum compensable rating is 10%. |
| 20% | (b) Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes either an assistive device (cane(s), crutch(es), walker) or bracing for ambulation e.g., |
| 30% | Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes both an assistive device (cane(s), crutch(es), walker) and bracing for ambulation e.g., |
“(b) Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes either an assistive device (cane(s), crutch(es), walker) or bracing for ambulation e.g.,”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Knee instability?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Knee instability
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips, rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Knee instability in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5252Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)Rated up to 40%
- 5253Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)Rated up to 20%
- 5254Hip, flail jointRated up to 80%
- 5255Femur, impairment ofRated up to 80%
- 5256Knee, ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5258Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the jointRated up to 20%
- 5259Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomaticRated up to 10%
- 5260Leg, limitation of flexion ofRated up to 30%
- 5261Leg, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5262Tibia and fibula, impairment ofRated up to 40%
What to do with a Knee instability rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- VA Secondary Conditions Explained: Causation vs AggravationA service-connected condition can cause or worsen other conditions. Learn how 38 CFR 3.310 secondary service connection works: causation versus aggravation.
Common Questions About Knee instability VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Knee instability?
The VA rates Knee instability under Diagnostic Code 5257 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability of the knee: Minimal, with only occasional buckling or giving way without significant functional impact.. The maximum 30% rating requires: Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes both an assistive device (cane(s), crutch(es), walker) and bracing for ambulation e.g.,.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Knee instability?
The VA rates Knee instability under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5257, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 30% rating for Knee instability?
A 0% rating requires: Slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability of the knee: Minimal, with only occasional buckling or giving way without significant functional impact.. A 30% rating requires: Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes both an assistive device (cane(s), crutch(es), walker) and bracing for ambulation e.g.,. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Knee instability qualify for TDIU?
Knee instability maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Knee instability?
The key evidence for Knee instability is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Knee instability?
Knee instability is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Knee instability?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5257 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms. If you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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