Education · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Bones, joints, and spine (musculoskeletal system) · not your rating · we do not file
Knee instability VA rating (DC 5257)
VA rates knee instability under diagnostic code 5257 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The rule book lists 10%, 20%, and 30%. Below: each level in plain English, then the exact words.
Rule-book name: Knee, other impairment of. Last checked against eCFR on 2026-10-10 (eCFR issue 2026-08-27). Official text: 38 CFR § 4.71a on eCFR.
Each rating level in plain English
- 30%: The published words look at: the joint giving way or slipping out of place.
- 20%: The published words look at: the joint giving way or slipping out of place.
- 10%: The published words look at: the joint giving way or slipping out of place.
- 30%: The published words look at: the joint giving way or slipping out of place; and surgery, an implant, or a joint replacement, with dates.
- 20%: The published words look at: the joint giving way or slipping out of place; and surgery, an implant, or a joint replacement, with dates.
- 10%: The published words look at: the joint giving way or slipping out of place; and surgery, an implant, or a joint replacement, with dates.
Plain words come from our reading aid for the published words. They never add a symptom. The quotes below are the rule.
Exact words in 38 CFR § 4.71a
30% · “Unrepaired or failed repair of 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”
“(a) Sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or repaired complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or assistive device ( e.g., cane(s), crutch(es), walker) for ambulation.”
20% · “(b) Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes either an assistive device ( e.g., cane(s), crutch(es), walker) or bracing for ambulation”
10% · “Sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or complete ligament tear (repaired, unrepaired, or failed repair) causing persistent instability, without a prescription from a medical provider for an assistive device ( e.g., cane(s), crutch(es), walker) or bracing for ambulation”
30% · “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”
20% · “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”
10% · “A diagnosed condition involving the patellofemoral complex with recurrent instability (with or without history of surgical repair) that does not require a prescription from a medical provider for a brace, cane, or walker”
Notes printed with this code
“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).”
What records usually show this
VA reads these things from your records: service treatment records, VA and private treatment records, and the VA claim exam (C&P exam). The published words on this page talk about:
- The joint giving way or slipping out of place: usually found in treatment notes, prescriptions, or a log you kept that show how often, when those records exist.
- Surgery, an implant, or a joint replacement, with dates: usually found in a test or exam result in your records. The rule book reads this number from the test, not from a statement.
Education only. This does not say you have any of these, and a record that mentions them does not decide a rating. Only write what is true for you. Evidence needed for your disability claim · VA claim exam (C&P exam)
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Common questions
What percentages does the VA rating schedule list for Knee instability (DC 5257)?
38 CFR § 4.71a lists 10%, 20%, and 30% for diagnostic code 5257. VA decides which line fits from the evidence. This page is not your rating.
Where do these words come from?
They are quoted from the public eCFR copy of 38 CFR § 4.71a, last checked 2026-10-10. The official page is linked on this page so you can check every word.
Does this page tell me what my rating will be?
No. It shows what the published rule book says. It does not predict a rating, a decision, or a dollar amount, and it does not say you have this condition.
Who can file a VA claim for me for free?
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can prepare and file a claim with you at no cost. VA lists accredited representatives on VA.gov. We do not file.
This page quotes the public VA rule book. It is not your rating and not your pay. We do not say you have this condition. We do not file. You, or a free accredited representative, file with VA.
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