Veteran-owned · Serving Wichita, Topeka & veterans across Kansas Questions? (316) 555-0100
Free Case Review
Free case reviews for Kansas veterans
Rating guide · Joints

Knee Claims: Every Way a Knee Can Be Rated

Airborne landings, ruck marches, climbing in and out of vehicles. Knees take a beating in service. The VA has several separate ways to rate them, and one knee can qualify under more than one.

Start My Free Case Review VA Pay Calculator
  • Bending
  • Straightening
  • Instability
  • Cartilage & replacement

Get Your Free Case Review

Takes 60 seconds. No obligation.

I need help with…
Secure & private. We never ask for your SSN on this form.

Thank you!

A member of our team will reach out within one business day to schedule your free case review.

Veteran-OwnedRun by people who’ve served
Free Case ReviewNo cost to talk with us
Phone & VideoNo office visit needed
All of KansasWichita, Topeka & beyond
DC 5260

Bending (Flexion)

A normal knee bends to about 140 degrees. The examiner should note where pain begins and estimate extra loss during flare-ups.

RatingVA criteria
30%Flexion limited to 15°.
20%Flexion limited to 30°.
10%Flexion limited to 45°.
0%Flexion limited to 60°.
 From 38 CFR 4.71a (current as of October 2026).
DC 5261

Straightening (Extension)

RatingVA criteria
50%Extension limited to 45°.
40%Extension limited to 30°.
30%Extension limited to 20°.
20%Extension limited to 15°.
10%Extension limited to 10°.
0%Extension limited to 5°.
 From 38 CFR 4.71a (current as of October 2026). Limited flexion and limited extension can be rated separately.
DC 5257

Instability

The current rules tie instability ratings to the ligament injury and to any prescribed brace or assistive device. If your provider prescribed a brace or cane, make sure it’s documented.

RatingVA criteria
30%Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes both an assistive device (e.g., cane(s), crutch(es), walker) and bracing for ambulation.
20%Either (a) sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or repaired complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or assistive device for ambulation; or (b) unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes either an assistive device or bracing for ambulation.
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 or bracing for ambulation.
 From 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5257 (current as of October 2026). Kneecap instability has separate criteria.
Cartilage & surgery

Meniscus, Replacement and What Comes Next

  • Meniscus that locks, hurts and swells: 20%. Removed but still symptomatic: 10%.
  • Total knee replacement: 100% for 4 months after surgery ($3,938.58 a month alone in 2026), then 30% minimum, or 60% with severe painful motion or weakness.

When both knees are service-connected, the bilateral factor adds to your combined rating. And knee problems often lead to hip and back issues that can be claimed as secondary.

FAQ

Knee VA Rating: Common Questions

Can one knee get three ratings?

Potentially. Limited flexion, limited extension and instability are separate problems, and each can be rated when the evidence supports it.

Does wearing a brace raise my rating?

A prescribed brace or assistive device is required for the 20% and 30% instability levels under the current rules. Without one, persistent instability is rated 10%.

What happens after my knee replacement?

A service-connected total knee replacement is rated 100% for 4 months, then at least 30%, or 60% with severe residuals.

Do my bad knees affect my back claim?

They can. Knee problems that change your gait may cause or worsen hip and back conditions that can be claimed as secondary.

Kansas Veterans: Get the Rating You Earned

Start with a free, no-obligation case review. It takes about a minute.

Start My Free Review
Get My Free Case Review