VASRD 5257 · Musculoskeletal System
Knee, Other Impairment of at 20% VA Disability Rating
The knee is persistently unstable and a provider has prescribed a brace or a walking aid — one or the other, depending on whether the ligament tear was complete and whether it was repaired.
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Recurrent subluxation or instability, either: (a) sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or repaired complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or an assistive device (e.g. cane(s), crutch(es), walker) for ambulation; or (b) unrepaired or failed repair of a complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes either an assistive device or bracing for ambulation. Patellar instability: a diagnosed condition involving the patellofemoral complex with recurrent instability after surgical repair that requires a prescription by a medical provider for one of the following — a brace, cane, or walker.
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Knee, Other Impairment of rated at 20%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
| With spouse | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $356.66 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $356.66 |
Lower tier
10% Knee, Other Impairment of
$180.42 /mo single
Higher tier
30% Knee, Other Impairment of
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Knee, Other Impairment of
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Knee, Other Impairment of pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Knee, Other Impairment of receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $356.66.
- What does it take to get a 20% rating for Knee, Other Impairment of?
- Recurrent subluxation or instability, either: (a) sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or repaired complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or an assistive device (e.g. cane(s), crutch(es), walker) for ambulation; or (b) unrepaired or failed repair of a complete…
- What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Knee, Other Impairment of?
- 20%: The knee is persistently unstable and a provider has prescribed a brace or a walking aid — one or the other, depending on whether the ligament tear was complete and whether it was repaired. 30%: The knee is unstable after a complete ligament tear that was not repaired or whose repair failed, and a provider has pr…
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- Yes. If a condition like Meniscus Tear is service-connected as secondary to Knee, Other Impairment of, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 20% alone.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5257)
- VA.gov — 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025
Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on August 16, 2026.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Knee, Other Impairment of are on the main condition page.
View full Knee, Other Impairment of guide
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline