VA rating guide · Joints
Knee VA Rating: Motion, Instability & Replacement
One knee can carry more than one rating. The VA looks at how far it bends, how far it straightens, whether it’s unstable, and any cartilage or surgery history.
- Flexion & extension
- Current instability rules
- Meniscus & surgery
- Knee replacement
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How the VA Rates Knees
Knee conditions are rated under several diagnostic codes in 38 CFR 4.71a. The VA considers normal knee motion to be 0 degrees of extension (fully straight) to 140 degrees of flexion (fully bent).
Depending on your symptoms, one knee may receive separate ratings for limited flexion, limited extension, and instability, as long as each rating covers different symptoms. If both knees are service-connected, the bilateral factor adds a little more to your combined rating.
As with the back, the examiner should consider where pain begins and estimate additional loss of motion during flare-ups and after repeated use.
Limited Flexion (Bending)
Limited Extension (Straightening)
Instability: The Current Criteria
The VA’s instability criteria now depend on the type of ligament injury and whether a medical provider has prescribed a brace or an assistive device such as a cane, crutches or a walker.
Meniscus Tears and Knee Replacement
Meniscus (semilunar cartilage)
- 20%: dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint (DC 5258)
- 10%: symptomatic removal of cartilage (DC 5259)
Knee replacement (DC 5055)
- 100% for 4 months following implantation of the prosthesis ($3,938.58 a month for a veteran alone in 2026)
- 60% with chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness
- 30% minimum after a total knee replacement; intermediate residuals are rated by analogy to the motion or ankylosis criteria
If you’re planning a knee replacement for a service-connected knee, make sure the VA knows the surgery date so the temporary 100% rating is applied.
Secondary conditions
An injured knee changes how you walk, which can lead to problems in the other knee, the hips, and the back. With a supporting medical opinion, each can be rated as secondary.
Knee VA Rating: Common Questions
Can I get more than one rating for the same knee?
Often, yes. Limited flexion, limited extension and instability measure different problems, so the VA can assign separate ratings when the evidence supports each, as long as they don’t compensate the same symptoms twice.
Do I need a brace prescription for a higher instability rating?
Under the current criteria, yes. The 20% and 30% instability ratings depend on a medical provider prescribing a brace and/or an assistive device like a cane, crutches or a walker. Without a prescription, persistent instability is rated 10%.
What happens to my rating after a knee replacement?
A service-connected total knee replacement is rated 100% for 4 months after surgery, then at least 30%, or 60% if you have severe painful motion or weakness.
Does arthritis in the knee get rated?
Yes. Arthritis confirmed by X-ray is generally rated based on limitation of motion, and painful motion can support at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint.
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