Knee injuries are among the most common service-connected disabilities, affecting veterans from every branch. The VA uses a structured rating schedule to assign a disability percentage based on how severely your knee limits movement or causes instability. That percentage directly determines your monthly tax-free compensation. This guide covers every rating code, degree threshold, pay amount, and strategy you need for your 2026 knee claim.
How the VA Rates Knee Conditions
The VA rates knee disabilities under 38 CFR Part 4, Subpart B, using diagnostic codes (DC) tied to specific functional limitations. Unlike many conditions where a single rating code applies, knee claims can stack multiple codes together for the same joint, potentially resulting in a higher combined rating.
The four primary knee diagnostic codes are:
- DC 5260 - Limitation of flexion (bending)
- DC 5261 - Limitation of extension (straightening)
- DC 5257 - Recurrent subluxation or lateral instability
- DC 5055 - Knee replacement or resurfacing
Under VA General Counsel Opinion VAOPGCPREC 9-2004, limited flexion and limited extension can be rated separately and combined. Instability under DC 5257 can also be rated on top of range-of-motion ratings for the same knee.
DC 5260: Limitation of Flexion
Flexion measures how far you can bend your knee toward your body. A fully healthy knee bends to approximately 140 degrees. The VA assigns ratings based on how restricted your bending has become.
| Rating | Flexion Limited To |
|---|
| 0% | 60 degrees |
| 10% | 45 degrees |
| 20% | 30 degrees |
| 30% | 15 degrees |
Most veterans with knee pain fall in the 10% to 20% range under this code alone. To reach 30%, your knee must be severely locked up, bending less than 15 degrees.
DC 5261: Limitation of Extension
Extension measures how fully you can straighten your knee. Complete extension is 0 degrees (fully straight). When the knee cannot fully straighten, the rating increases with the degree of limitation.
| Rating | Extension Limited To |
|---|
| 0% | 5 degrees |
| 10% | 10 degrees |
| 20% | 15 degrees |
| 30% | 20 degrees |
| 40% | 30 degrees |
| 50% | 45 degrees |
Extension limitations are often more functionally debilitating than flexion limitations because they affect walking and weight-bearing. A 50% rating under DC 5261 means your knee is nearly locked in a bent position.
DC 5257: Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability
Subluxation means the knee partially dislocates or gives way. Lateral instability means the knee buckles to the side. The VA rates this based on severity, not degrees of motion.
| Rating | Severity Level |
|---|
| 10% | Slight instability |
| 20% | Moderate instability |
| 30% | Severe instability |
To earn a 30% rating, your knee must regularly give out or partially dislocate during normal activity. Document every episode with dates, circumstances, and any resulting falls or injuries.
DC 5055: Knee Replacement or Resurfacing
If your knee damage is severe enough to require total or partial replacement surgery, the VA applies a different rating path.
| Stage | Rating | Duration |
|---|
| Immediately post-surgery | 100% | Minimum 1 year from date of surgery |
| After 1-year re-evaluation | 30% minimum | Permanent (higher if residuals warrant) |
The 100% temporary rating runs for at least 12 months following surgery. After re-evaluation, the VA assigns a rating based on remaining functional limitations, but it cannot go below 30% for a knee replacement. If you have significant residual pain, stiffness, or instability after recovery, you may rate higher.
Combining Multiple Knee Ratings
The single biggest factor veterans miss is that you can combine ratings for the same knee. Here is how stacking works in practice:
Example 1: Flexion + Instability
- DC 5260 (limited flexion to 30 degrees): 20%
- DC 5257 (moderate instability): 20%
- VA combined rating: approximately 36% (not simply added)
Example 2: Extension + Instability
- DC 5261 (extension limited to 20 degrees): 30%
- DC 5257 (slight instability): 10%
- VA combined rating: approximately 37%
The VA uses a combined ratings formula, not simple addition. Each subsequent rating is applied to the remaining non-disabled portion, so 30% plus 10% does not equal 40%. Use the VA's combined ratings table or an online calculator to estimate your total.
Bilateral Knee Factor
If both knees are service-connected, the VA applies the bilateral factor under 38 CFR 4.26. This adds 10% of the combined bilateral rating back to your total, acknowledging that two-sided limb impairment causes greater functional loss.
Example:
- Right knee: 20% rating
- Left knee: 10% rating
- Combined bilateral: approximately 28%
- Bilateral factor addition: 2.8 points (10% of 28)
- Adjusted bilateral total: approximately 31%
This adjusted total then gets combined with any other service-connected conditions.
2026 VA Compensation Rates
These monthly rates are effective December 1, 2025, reflecting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment. Payments are tax-free.
| Disability Rating | Monthly Payment (No Dependents) |
|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Veterans rated at 30% or higher also receive additional monthly payments for dependents, including a spouse, children, or dependent parents.
How to Establish a Service Connection for Your Knee
Before the VA assigns a rating, you must establish that your knee condition is connected to your military service. Three elements are required:
- Current diagnosis - A medical diagnosis of a knee condition (osteoarthritis, meniscal tear, ACL tear, patellofemoral syndrome, etc.)
- In-service event - Evidence that something happened to your knee during service (documented injury, physical demands of your MOS, or continuous strain)
- Nexus - A medical opinion linking your current diagnosis to the in-service event
For secondary service connection, you can also claim a knee condition that developed because of another service-connected disability. A common example: a service-connected back condition causes you to alter your gait, which over time damages the knee.
The C&P Exam for Knee Conditions
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is where your rating is determined. The examiner will measure your range of motion with a goniometer and assess instability. A few things to know before your appointment:
Report pain during motion. The VA must consider pain under 38 CFR 4.59. Even if you can physically reach a certain degree of movement, pain that limits your functional ability should be documented.
Request repetitive motion testing. Under the DeLuca factors, examiners should test range of motion after repetitive use to capture any additional restriction from pain or fatigue. If your examiner does not do this, note it in your written statement.
Describe your worst days. Ratings should reflect the full range of your condition. Describe flare-ups, episodes of giving way, difficulty climbing stairs, and any limitations in work or daily activities.
Bring a buddy statement. A written statement from a fellow service member, family member, or coworker documenting how your knee affects your daily function can strengthen your claim.
Secondary Conditions That Can Increase Your Overall Rating
Knee injuries often cause or contribute to other conditions that can each carry their own rating:
- Hip conditions - Altered gait from a bad knee places extra strain on the hip
- Lower back pain - Compensatory movement patterns shift load to the lumbar spine
- Contralateral knee - Overloading the good knee to protect the injured one
- Nerve conditions - Peroneal nerve damage sometimes accompanies knee injuries
- Scars - If surgery left significant scarring, that can be rated separately
Each secondary condition can be service-connected through the primary knee disability, adding to your total combined rating.
What to Do If Your Rating Seems Too Low
If you receive a rating and believe it does not reflect the severity of your condition, you have several options:
Supplemental Claim - Submit new and relevant evidence (updated medical records, a private nexus opinion, buddy statements) that was not part of the original decision.
Higher-Level Review - Request a senior claims adjudicator to re-examine the evidence in your file without new submissions. Good when you believe there was an error in the original evaluation.
Board of Veterans Appeals - If you disagree with a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review decision, you can appeal to the Board. This process can take longer but allows a Veterans Law Judge to review your case.
A private medical opinion from a doctor who specializes in orthopedics and understands VA rating criteria often makes the biggest difference in appeals. This opinion should address the nexus to service and the specific degree measurements from your C&P exam.
Using Benefits Navigator to Check Additional Eligibility
Many veterans with service-connected knee disabilities also qualify for other federal and state benefits programs they may not know about. You can use the free Benefits Navigator screener to check eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and other programs based on your income and household size.
Veterans at 100% (or 100% TDIU) often qualify for additional state-level benefits including property tax exemptions, vehicle registration discounts, and hunting or fishing license waivers that vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common VA knee disability rating?
The most common ratings for knee conditions are 10% and 20%, typically awarded under DC 5260 for limited flexion. Veterans with multiple issues in the same knee, such as both range-of-motion loss and instability, can combine ratings and often reach 30% to 40%.
Can I get rated for both knees?
Yes. Each knee is rated separately, and if both are service-connected, the bilateral factor applies. This means your combined bilateral knee rating gets a small upward adjustment before being combined with your other disabilities.
What happens to my knee rating after replacement surgery?
After a total knee replacement, the VA assigns a temporary 100% rating for a minimum of one year. After that period, the VA re-evaluates and assigns a permanent rating based on residual limitations. The permanent rating cannot go below 30% for a knee replacement.
Can I get a higher rating if my knee condition gets worse?
Yes. You can file for an increased rating at any time if you believe your condition has worsened since your last evaluation. Submit updated medical records documenting the change in range of motion, instability, or functional loss.
Does the VA rate knee pain on its own?
The VA does not assign ratings solely for pain. Pain must manifest as a measurable functional limitation, such as restricted range of motion or instability, to be ratable under the diagnostic codes. However, pain that limits motion is considered even if you push through the discomfort during the exam.
What is the highest possible rating for a knee condition?
Without a replacement, the highest single-code rating is 50% under DC 5261 for extension limited to 45 degrees. By stacking flexion, extension, and instability ratings for the same knee, a combined rating above 50% is possible. With a knee replacement, a temporary 100% rating applies for at least one year.
How long does a VA knee claim take in 2026?
Processing times vary, but most disability claims take 3 to 6 months from submission to decision. Complex claims with multiple conditions or those requiring additional development can take longer. Filing a fully developed claim with all evidence upfront typically speeds up the process.
