VASRD 5256 · Musculoskeletal System

Knee, Ankylosis VA Disability Rating

Knee is stiff or frozen in one position due to injury, arthritis, or surgery.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Stuck in near-straight position
50%Stuck partially bent
40%Significantly bent
30%Barely bends

How the VA Evaluates Knee, Ankylosis

X-rays, orthopedic exam, ROM testing.

Approval rate

High (~70%) when imaging confirms fixed position.

Annual service-connected

4,100 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Orthopedic specialist report
  • Surgical records if fused

Strategy Tips

  • Clarify if surgically fused
  • Submit images and ROM measurements

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Knee appears stiff but still bends
  • Only painful motion, not true ankylosis

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Confusing pain with true immobility
  • No imaging to verify

Onset Patterns

  • Common after repeated injury or surgery

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Knee, Ankylosis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Hip Pain

    Altered gait

  • Leg Length Discrepancy

    Muscle imbalance

Common questions about Knee, Ankylosis

Is Knee, Ankylosis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Knee, Ankylosis under VASRD diagnostic code 5256 (Musculoskeletal System). Knee is stiff or frozen in one position due to injury, arthritis, or surgery.
What VA disability rating can I get for Knee, Ankylosis?
Possible VA ratings for Knee, Ankylosis are 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%. Examples: 60% — Stuck in near-straight position; 50% — Stuck partially bent; 40% — Significantly bent.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Knee, Ankylosis?
The average awarded rating for Knee, Ankylosis is 40%. Roughly 4,100 veterans are service-connected for Knee, Ankylosis each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~70%) when imaging confirms fixed position..
What evidence helps prove Knee, Ankylosis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Knee, Ankylosis claim includes: Orthopedic specialist report; Surgical records if fused.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Knee, Ankylosis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Knee, Ankylosis: Confusing pain with true immobility; No imaging to verify.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Knee, Ankylosis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Knee, Ankylosis include: Hip Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Knee, Ankylosis combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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