VA Knee Rating Chart: Flexion, Extension, Instability and Replacement, 0% to 100% by Code
VA rates knee conditions under diagnostic codes (DC) 5055, 5256, 5257, 5258, 5259, 5260, 5261, 5262 and 5263 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The first table below, limitation of flexion, DC 5260, has 4 levels: 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%; 8 more tables follow, one for each of the other codes. Each table quotes its levels word for word from the current CFR text and adds a one-line summary; the 2026 monthly compensation figures are VA's published rates for every rating in these tables.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Criteria checked against the eCFR and Federal Register October 26, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Knee rating criteria in 38 CFR § 4.71a
Diagnostic codes: DC 5055 Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis); DC 5256 Knee, ankylosis of; DC 5257 Knee, other impairment of; DC 5258 Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint; DC 5259 Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic; DC 5260 Leg, limitation of flexion of; DC 5261 Leg, limitation of extension of; DC 5262 Tibia and fibula, impairment of; DC 5263 Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated). Criteria are quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary and is not part of the regulation.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Flexion limited to 60° | Flexion limited to 60 degrees. |
| 10% | Flexion limited to 45° | Flexion limited to 45 degrees. |
| 20% | Flexion limited to 30° | Flexion limited to 30 degrees. |
| 30% | Flexion limited to 15° | Flexion limited to 15 degrees. |
5261 Leg, limitation of extension of:
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Extension limited to 5° | Extension limited to 5 degrees. |
| 10% | Extension limited to 10° | Extension limited to 10 degrees. |
| 20% | Extension limited to 15° | Extension limited to 15 degrees. |
| 30% | Extension limited to 20° | Extension limited to 20 degrees. |
| 40% | Extension limited to 30° | Extension limited to 30 degrees. |
| 50% | Extension limited to 45° | Extension limited to 45 degrees. |
5256 Knee, ankylosis of:
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0° and 10° | Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0 and 10 degrees. |
| 40% | In flexion between 10° and 20° | In flexion between 10 and 20 degrees. |
| 50% | In flexion between 20° and 45° | In flexion between 20 and 45 degrees. |
| 60% | Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45° or more | Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45 degrees or more. |
5257 Knee, other impairment of:
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% |
| Recurrent subluxation or instability: sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or complete tear (repaired, unrepaired or failed repair) with persistent instability and no prescription for an assistive device or bracing. |
| 10% |
| Patellar instability that does not require a prescribed brace, cane or walker. |
| 20% |
| Recurrent subluxation or instability: either (a) sprain, incomplete tear or repaired complete tear with persistent instability and a prescribed brace and/or assistive device, or (b) unrepaired or failed repair of a complete tear with persistent instability and either a prescribed assistive device or bracing. |
| 20% |
| Patellar instability after surgical repair that requires a prescribed brace, cane or walker (one of them). |
| 30% |
| Recurrent subluxation or instability: unrepaired or failed repair of a complete ligament tear with persistent instability and both an assistive device and bracing prescribed. |
| 30% |
| Patellar instability after surgical repair that requires a prescribed brace and either a cane or a walker. |
All 2 notes printed with these criteria (quotation):
Note (1): For patellar instability, the patellofemoral complex consists of the quadriceps tendon, the patella, and the patellar tendon.
Note (2): A surgical procedure that does not involve repair of one or more patellofemoral components that contribute to the underlying instability shall not qualify as surgical repair for patellar instability (including, but not limited to, arthroscopy to remove loose bodies and joint aspiration).
5258 Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the joint | Dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain and effusion into the joint. |
5259 Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic | Removal of semilunar cartilage that is symptomatic. |
5262 Tibia and fibula, impairment of:
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% |
| Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) with treatment for less than 12 consecutive months. |
| 10% |
| Medial tibial stress syndrome treated for at least 12 consecutive months and unresponsive to either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one or both lower extremities. |
| 20% |
| Medial tibial stress syndrome treated for at least 12 consecutive months and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one lower extremity. |
| 30% |
| Medial tibial stress syndrome treated for at least 12 consecutive months and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, both lower extremities. |
| 40% | Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace | Nonunion of the tibia and fibula, with loose motion, requiring brace. |
Listed in the CFR without a rating of its own (quotation):
Malunion of:
Evaluate under diagnostic codes 5256, 5257, 5260, or 5261 for the knee, or 5270 or 5271 for the ankle, whichever results in the highest evaluation.
5263 Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated) | Acquired, traumatic genu recurvatum with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated. |
5055 Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis):
Another rating table of 38 CFR § 4.71a that this page covers. Quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary.
Lead-in text printed in the CFR before the rows (quotation):
Note (1): When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or the prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051-5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
Note (2): Only evaluate a revision procedure in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051-5056 if all the original components are replaced.
Note (3): The term “prosthetic replacement” in diagnostic codes 5051-5053 and 5055-5056 means a total replacement of the named joint. However, in DC 5054, “prosthetic replacement” means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.
Note (4): The 100 percent rating for 1 year following implantation of prosthesis will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
Note (5): The 100 percent rating for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing under DCs 5054 and 5055 will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
Note (6): Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100 percent rating period the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 30% |
| Minimum evaluation for a total knee replacement. |
| 60% |
| Chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity after a prosthetic replacement. |
| 100% | For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing | For 4 months following implantation of the prosthesis or resurfacing. |
Listed in the CFR without a rating of its own (quotation):
With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion rate by analogy to diagnostic codes 5256, 5261, or 5262.
Note printed with these criteria (quotation):
Note: At the conclusion of the 100 percent evaluation period, evaluate resurfacing under diagnostic codes 5256 through 5262; there is no minimum evaluation for resurfacing.
2026 VA monthly pay at each knee rating
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | $0.00 | VA's rate table starts at 10%, so a 0% rating has no monthly compensation rate |
| 10% | $180.42 | Same as alone; spouse amounts start at 30% |
| 20% | $356.66 | Same as alone; spouse amounts start at 30% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 |
VA does not add ratings together. When a veteran has more than one rated condition, VA combines them with its combined ratings table (38 CFR § 4.25), so the amounts above apply to a combined rating, not to this condition alone. Work out a combined rating with the VA disability calculator at /va-disability-calculator/.
VA disability calculator · Full VA disability pay chart with children and parents
How the criteria are written
The CFR has no single "knee" code. Section 4.71a lists the knee and leg under DC 5256 to 5263, and knee resurfacing or replacement under DC 5055. Each code is its own table, so this page prints each of them, starting with limitation of flexion (DC 5260).
Limitation of flexion (DC 5260) and limitation of extension (DC 5261) are separate codes with separate levels. This page quotes both and does not say how VA applies them to a particular claim.
DC 5257, "Knee, other impairment of", covers recurrent subluxation or instability and patellar instability. Its levels turn on whether a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or an assistive device (cane, crutch or walker). Note (1) defines the patellofemoral complex and Note (2) says which surgical procedures do not count as surgical repair for patellar instability.
After a knee replacement, DC 5055 lists the 100 percent period first and then the levels that follow. The note under DC 5055 says: "At the conclusion of the 100 percent evaluation period, evaluate resurfacing under diagnostic codes 5256 through 5262; there is no minimum evaluation for resurfacing." The six notes printed above the 5055 table are the notes the CFR prints for the prosthetic implants and resurfacing table.
In DC 5262 the CFR prints the malunion instruction ("Evaluate under diagnostic codes 5256, 5257, 5260, or 5261 for the knee, or 5270 or 5271 for the ankle, whichever results in the highest evaluation") between the nonunion row and the medial tibial stress syndrome rows. It has no rating of its own, so this page lists it under the table, not inside a row.
CFR Appendix A lists DC 5055, 5257 and 5262 as changed on February 7, 2021 and has no entry for DC 5256, 5258, 5259, 5260, 5261 or 5263.
VA publishes Disability Benefits Questionnaires for this area (benefits.va.gov): Knee and Lower Leg DBQ.
Is this the current rule?
Source text. § 4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system. from the eCFR (38 CFR Part 4), text up to date as of October 22, 2026, retrieved October 26, 2026. Read the section on eCFR.
Latest final rule affecting the section. 86 FR 8142 (final rule), Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Musculoskeletal System and Muscle Injuries; Correction, published February 4, 2021, effective February 7, 2021. Latest entry in the section's amendment history in the eCFR. It corrects the 2020 musculoskeletal rule (85 FR 76453), which changed several joint, arthritis and foot entries in this section (CFR Appendix A dates those changes February 7, 2021).
Rule that changed some of these entries. 85 FR 76453, effective February 7, 2021. The 2020 musculoskeletal final rule revised DC 5055, DC 5257 and DC 5262 only; CFR Appendix A dates those changes February 7, 2021 and has no entry for DC 5260, the main table on this page, or for DC 5256, 5258, 5259, 5261 and 5263.
- DC 5055: Added September 22, 1978; title, criterion, and note February 7, 2021.
- DC 5257: Evaluation July 6, 1950; criterion and note February 7, 2021.
- DC 5262: Criterion February 7, 2021.
Upcoming changes. Our Federal Register search on October 26, 2026 found no final rule for this section with an effective date after that day.
Proposed rules. The search found no proposed rule that would change these criteria.
Related conditions
- Arthritis: Knee arthritis is rated under DC 5003 and DC 5010, which send the rating to the knee codes on this page.
- Back pain (spine): Also in § 4.71a; § 4.59 on painful motion applies to the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
- Plantar fasciitis: Another lower-extremity entry in § 4.71a (DC 5269).
- All VA disability ratings by condition
Questions about the Knee rating
What diagnostic code does VA use for knee conditions?
Knee conditions are rated under diagnostic codes (DC) 5055, 5256, 5257, 5258, 5259, 5260, 5261, 5262 and 5263 in 38 CFR § 4.71a, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The code lists are quoted from the eCFR text current as of October 22, 2026.
What are the VA rating levels for knee conditions?
The first table on this page, limitation of flexion, DC 5260, has 4 levels: 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%. The other diagnostic codes of knee conditions have their own tables on this page with their own levels. VA decides which code and level applies to a claim.
How much is VA disability pay for a knee rating in 2026?
VA's 2026 monthly rates for a veteran alone, with the with-spouse amount for 30% and higher, are 10%: $180.42; 20%: $356.66; 30%: $552.47 ($617.47 with a spouse); 40%: $795.84 ($882.84 with a spouse); 50%: $1,132.90 ($1,241.90 with a spouse); 60%: $1,435.02 ($1,566.02 with a spouse); 100%: $3,938.58 ($4,158.17 with a spouse). A 0% rating is not in VA's rate table, which starts at 10%. Rates took effect December 1, 2025. The amount you are paid depends on your combined rating, not on this condition alone.
Are ratings for knee conditions added to my other ratings?
No. VA does not add ratings together; it combines them using the combined ratings table in 38 CFR § 4.25. Use the VA disability calculator on this site at /va-disability-calculator/ to see how ratings combine.
Does VA rate knee pain?
The knee tables on this page are written mainly in terms of range of motion, ankylosis, instability and the other findings they list; DC 5258 and DC 5055 also mention pain. Section 4.59 of 38 CFR Part 4 (painful motion) says: "It is the intention to recognize actually painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint." How that applies to a particular knee claim is for VA to decide.
How is knee arthritis rated?
Not under a knee code of its own. DC 5003 (degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic) says degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings is rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint, which for the knee are the codes on this page. DC 5010 (post-traumatic arthritis) says: "Rate as limitation of motion, dislocation, or other specified instability under the affected joint." See the arthritis page for the full DC 5003 and DC 5010 text.
How is a knee replacement rated?
Under DC 5055. The table above lists 100 percent for 4 months following implantation of the prosthesis or resurfacing; for a prosthetic replacement of the knee joint, 60 percent with chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity, an intermediate level rated by analogy to DC 5256, 5261 or 5262, and, at 30 percent, "Minimum evaluation, total replacement only". Note (3) of the implants table says "prosthetic replacement" in DC 5055 means a total replacement of the named joint.
Which code covers knee instability?
DC 5257, "Knee, other impairment of", lists recurrent subluxation or instability and patellar instability at 10, 20 and 30 percent, depending on whether a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or an assistive device. Its two notes define the patellofemoral complex and surgical repair for patellar instability.
Does this page decide my VA rating?
No. FedRateCalc is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This page quotes the rating schedule and VA's published rates for information only; it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides the rating and the payment.