Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5257)

The VA rates Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee under Diagnostic Code 5257 at the following tiers: 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.,.

Diagnostic Code 5257 is the VA rating identifier for Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee within 38 CFR 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5257. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee under DC 5257 is 30%. This tier 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.,. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5257, Diagnostic Code 5257. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee include: Obesity / Weight Gain (Mobility Impairment). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

The key evidence for Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee depends on the body system. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and documented flare-ups are the most impactful evidence. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee maxes at 30%, below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability of the Knee alone prevents work regardless of the rating percentage.