VASRD 5257 · Musculoskeletal System
Knee, Other Impairment of at 30% VA Disability Rating
The knee is unstable after a complete ligament tear that was not repaired or whose repair failed, and a provider has prescribed both a brace and a walking aid — or the kneecap is still unstable after surgery and needs both a brace and a cane or walker.
30%: single veteran, no dependents
$552.47
$6,629.64/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 30%
Recurrent subluxation or instability: unrepaired or failed repair of a complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes BOTH an assistive device (e.g. cane(s), crutch(es), walker) and 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 a brace AND either a cane or a walker.
30% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Knee, Other Impairment of rated at 30%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $552.47 |
| With spouse | $617.47 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $666.47 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $698.47 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $596.47 |
Lower tier
20% Knee, Other Impairment of
$356.66 /mo single
Common questions about 30% for Knee, Other Impairment of
- How much does a 30% VA rating for Knee, Other Impairment of pay?
- A single veteran rated 30% for Knee, Other Impairment of receives $552.47 per month ($6,629.64/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 $666.47.
- What does it take to get a 30% rating for Knee, Other Impairment of?
- Recurrent subluxation or instability: unrepaired or failed repair of a complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes BOTH an assistive device (e.g. cane(s), crutch(es), walker) and bracing for ambulation. Patellar instability: a diagnosed condition involving the patellofemora…
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 30%?
- 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 30% 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
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