How the VA Rates Knee Conditions
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.71a — DC 5055 (knee replacement), 5256 (ankylosis), 5257 (instability), 5258–5259 (meniscus), 5260 (flexion), 5261 (extension), 5262 (tibia/fibula) criteria a VA rater evaluates Knee Conditions against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR § 4.71a — DC 5055 (knee replacement), 5256 (ankylosis), 5257 (instability), 5258–5259 (meniscus), 5260 (flexion), 5261 (extension), 5262 (tibia/fibula)
Knee Conditions · 7 levels
- 100%$3,938.58a month
- 60%$1,435.02a month
- 50%$1,132.90a month
- 40%$795.84a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 20%$356.66a month
- 10%$180.42a month
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — DC 5055 (knee replacement), 5256 (ankylosis), 5257 (instability), 5258–5259 (meniscus), 5260 (flexion), 5261 (extension), 5262 (tibia/fibula)
- Diagnostic codes
- 5257, 5258, 5259, 5260, 5261, 5262, 5263
- Levels in the schedule
- 10% · 20% · 30% · 40% · 50% · 60% · 100%
- Top level (100%) pays
- $3,938.58/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a — DC 5055 (knee replacement), 5256 (ankylosis), 5257 (instability), 5258–5259 (meniscus), 5260 (flexion), 5261 (extension), 5262 (tibia/fibula) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 100%
$3,938.58/month
DC 5055: For 4 months following implantation of a knee prosthesis or resurfacing.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Total knee replacement — first 4 months after surgery
- 60%
$1,435.02/month
DC 5055: After knee replacement, chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected leg.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Severe pain on motion or weakness after knee replacement
- 50%
$1,132.90/month
DC 5261: Extension limited to 45°.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Knee held markedly bent — cannot straighten past 45°
- 40%
$795.84/month
DC 5261: Extension limited to 30°. OR DC 5262: Nonunion of the tibia and fibula with loose motion, requiring a brace.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Cannot straighten the knee past 30°
- Nonunion of the lower-leg bones requiring a brace
- 30%
$552.47/month
DC 5260: Flexion limited to 15°. OR DC 5261: Extension limited to 20°. OR DC 5257: Unrepaired or failed repair of a complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, with BOTH an assistive device and bracing prescribed. OR DC 5256: Favorable ankylosis (0°–10° of flexion). OR DC 5055: Minimum after total knee replacement.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Severe flexion limitation — cannot bend the knee past 15°
- Complete ligament tear with prescribed brace AND cane/crutch
- Knee fused, or replaced
- 20%
$356.66/month
DC 5260: Flexion limited to 30°. OR DC 5261: Extension limited to 15°. OR DC 5257: Persistent instability and a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or assistive device for walking. OR DC 5258: Dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Significant range-of-motion limitation
- Prescribed knee brace or cane for instability
- Knee locks, swells, and hurts frequently
- 10%
$180.42/month
DC 5260: Flexion limited to 45°. OR DC 5261: Extension limited to 10°. OR DC 5257: Sprain or ligament tear causing persistent instability, with no brace or assistive device prescribed. OR DC 5259: Removal of semilunar cartilage (meniscus), symptomatic. (Flexion limited to 60° is 0%.)
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Cannot fully bend or straighten the knee
- Knee gives way at times
- Pain with stairs, kneeling, or prolonged walking
- Symptoms remaining after meniscus surgery
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
The evidence that matters most
Goniometer measurements from treating provider — degrees matter
C&P exam tips for Knee Conditions
- 1Bring imaging: X-rays showing joint space narrowing, MRI showing meniscal or ligament tears.
- 2Demonstrate instability during exam — if you have bracing documentation, bring it.
- 3Rate multiple knee codes separately if applicable: a knee can have both flexion limitation (5260) and instability (5257) — claim both.
- 4Describe locking, clicking, giving-way episodes with specifics (how often, what triggers it).
- 5Mention impact on standing and walking distances.
Common mistakes on Knee Conditions claims
- Only claiming one diagnostic code when multiple apply (instability, flexion limit, extension limit are all separate).
- Not mentioning giving-way episodes that could support instability (5257).
- Performing the range-of-motion test at best capacity — demonstrate your actual functional range.
- Forgetting to claim bilateral knees if both are affected.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Knee Conditions?
Knee Conditions is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a — DC 5055 (knee replacement), 5256 (ankylosis), 5257 (instability), 5258–5259 (meniscus), 5260 (flexion), 5261 (extension), 5262 (tibia/fibula) — diagnostic codes 5257, 5258, 5259, 5260, 5261, 5262, 5263.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Knee Conditions?
100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Knee Conditions. The criteria at that level describe: DC 5055: For 4 months following implantation of a knee prosthesis or resurfacing.
How much does a 100% VA rating for Knee Conditions pay in 2026?
$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Knee Conditions claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.