VA Disability Rating for Knee Condition (Limited Motion / Instability)
Rated separately for limited flexion (5260), limited extension (5261), and instability (5257). Bilateral factor applies if both knees.
Knee conditions are rated under three separate diagnostic codes, and you can be rated under multiple simultaneously (without pyramiding) if the criteria are met. 5260 (flexion), 5261 (extension), and 5257 (instability) cover the three most-claimed patterns. If both knees are rated, the bilateral factor (§ 4.26) adds 10% of the combined value.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | DC 5260: flexion limited to 45°. DC 5257: slight instability. |
| 20% | $356.66 | DC 5260: flexion limited to 30°. DC 5257: moderate instability. |
| 30% | $552.47 | DC 5260: flexion limited to 15°. DC 5257: severe instability. |
| 40% | $795.84 | DC 5261: extension limited to 30° or more. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | DC 5261: extension limited to 45°. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
How to get rated for knee condition (limited motion / instability)
- C&P exam with goniometer for flexion + extension.
- Document any "giving way," locking, or instability episodes for DC 5257.
- MRI documenting meniscus tear, ACL, cartilage damage.
- Report both knees if both are affected — bilateral factor adds 10%.
Common secondary conditions
- +Lumbar strain (from altered gait)
- +Opposite knee (from overcompensation)
- +Hip or ankle (from altered gait)
- +Depression from chronic pain
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Post-service knee surgery alone does not defeat service connection if the original injury was in-service.
- If you had multiple in-service sick-call visits for the same knee, file as "chronic" not "acute strain."
Frequently asked
Can I be rated for both flexion AND instability on the same knee?
Yes. They are separate codes evaluating different impairments and do not constitute pyramiding. File both.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.