VASRD 5257 · Musculoskeletal System

Knee, Other Impairment of VA Disability Rating

A knee condition that causes instability or locking while walking or moving.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Severe knee buckling or instability
20%Frequent knee wobbling or giving out
10%Occasional knee instability

How the VA Evaluates Knee, Other Impairment of

Instability documented during physical exams or history of falls due to knee giving out.

Approval rate

High – especially when tied to prior knee injuries or arthritis.

Annual service-connected

370,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Ortho evaluation describing instability
  • •Reports of falling or bracing
  • •MRI or arthroscopy reports

Strategy Tips

  • •Include fall or ER visit records
  • •Get provider to note instability with flexion tests
  • •Mention instability, not just pain

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No physical findings of instability
  • •Failing to mention assistive devices like braces

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Describing pain but not instability
  • •Missing proof of frequent buckling

Onset Patterns

  • •Often occurs after ligament or meniscus injuries
  • •Can worsen over time with activity

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Meniscus Tear

    Knee instability can worsen existing damage

  • Joint Degeneration

    Misalignment causes wear

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Knee, Other Impairment of is frequently claimed.

Army00BDiverArmy11AInfantry OfficerArmy11BInfantrymanArmy11ZInfantry Senior SergeantArmy12AEngineerArmy12BCombat EngineerArmy12CBridge CrewmemberArmy12KPlumberArmy12NHorizontal Construction EngineerArmy12RInterior ElectricianArmy12TTechnical EngineerArmy12VConcrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator

Common questions about Knee, Other Impairment of

Is Knee, Other Impairment of a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Knee, Other Impairment of under VASRD diagnostic code 5257 (Musculoskeletal System). A knee condition that causes instability or locking while walking or moving.
What VA disability rating can I get for Knee, Other Impairment of?
Possible VA ratings for Knee, Other Impairment of are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30% — Severe knee buckling or instability; 20% — Frequent knee wobbling or giving out; 10% — Occasional knee instability.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Knee, Other Impairment of?
The average awarded rating for Knee, Other Impairment of is 20%. Roughly 370,000 veterans are service-connected for Knee, Other Impairment of each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – especially when tied to prior knee injuries or arthritis..
What evidence helps prove Knee, Other Impairment of for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Knee, Other Impairment of claim includes: Ortho evaluation describing instability; Reports of falling or bracing; MRI or arthroscopy reports.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Knee, Other Impairment of?
Common pitfalls when filing for Knee, Other Impairment of: Describing pain but not instability; Missing proof of frequent buckling.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Knee, Other Impairment of?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Knee, Other Impairment of include: Meniscus Tear, Joint Degeneration. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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