Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5257
Knee, Other Impairment of Secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Knee, Other Impairment of when it develops after Ankle, Limitation of Motion.
Why Knee, Other Impairment of Is Linked to Ankle, Limitation of Motion
Altered gait
Primary condition · VASRD 5271
Ankle, Limitation of Motion
Reduced ability to flex or extend the ankle, usually due to injury or arthritis.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5257
Knee, Other Impairment of
This diagnostic code covers knee instability - the knee buckling, giving out, or feeling loose during activity - separate from simple pain or arthritis. It's rated on how often and how severely the knee subluxates (partially dislocates) or shifts out of place, which is a different rating track than knee pain alone.
Knee, Other Impairment of VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Knee, Other Impairment of the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion — severity of Knee, Other Impairment of itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Ankle, Limitation of Motion + 20% Knee, Other Impairment of = 28%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 20% combine to 28%, not 30%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Knee, Other Impairment of Secondary Claim
- •An orthopedic evaluation that specifically documents instability findings (not just 'knee pain'), including the results of stability testing.
- •Records of falls, giving-out episodes, or ER visits tied to the knee - real-world evidence of instability carries significant weight.
- •MRI or arthroscopy reports showing ligament or meniscus damage consistent with an unstable joint.
Common questions about Knee, Other Impairment of secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion
- Can Knee, Other Impairment of be service-connected as secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Altered gait You'll need a current Knee, Other Impairment of diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Ankle, Limitation of Motion…
- What VA rating can I get for Knee, Other Impairment of as a secondary condition?
- Knee, Other Impairment of is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5257 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 30%, 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Knee, Other Impairment of itself, not on the severity of Ankle, Limitation of Motion.
- How does a secondary Knee, Other Impairment of claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 10% rating for Ankle, Limitation of Motion combined with a 20% rating for Knee, Other Impairment of (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Knee, Other Impairment of as secondary still typi…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Knee, Other Impairment of as secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Knee, Other Impairment of diagnosis includes: An orthopedic evaluation that specifically documents instability findings (not just 'knee pain'), including the results of stability testing.; Records of falls, giving-out episodes, or ER visits tied to the knee - real-world evidence of i…
Primary condition
Full Ankle, Limitation of Motion guide
Secondary condition
Full Knee, Other Impairment of guide
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See how Ankle, Limitation of Motion and Knee, Other Impairment of combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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