Knee

The VA evaluates knee disabilities under 38 CFR § 4.71a using several diagnostic codes based on pain, range of motion, stability, locking, and arthritis. The rating considers functional limitations, injuries, and surgical outcomes.

Each knee can have 2 or 3 ratings. Most common are Flexion and Extension. Sometimes Instability.
If you have had a total knee replacement, you can only have 1 rating.

Please read the instructions and review the pictures, then proceed to the quiz questions.

The VA rating system determines the severity based on your Range of Motion on a “Flare-Up”. Consider a Flare-Up as the worst day in the last year.

Step 1. Helpful Videos

Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.

Standing at attention (foot at 6:00), bend your knee backwards halfway to your buttocks. On a bad day, how far could your lift your foot towards your buttocks (only to 9:00) without pain or discomfort?

Sitting in a chair with your foot on the ground (6:00), straighten your leg. How far straighten your leg pointing to 3:00 without pain or discomfort?

Do you have a torn or damaged ligament in your right knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL)?

If you have had a total joint replacement, you cannot have a rating for Flexion, Extension, or Instability on the same knee.

Step 2:

Review the Key Factors:

Each knee can have 3 ratings: Flexion, Extension, and Instability unless you have a Total Joint Replacement (TJR). If you have TJR, you can only have 1 rating.

Range of Motion (ROM) – Flexion & Extension
Pain
Weakness
Fatigue
In-coordination
Flare-ups

Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)

Temporary 100% rating for 1 year after surgery

Step 3:

Continue with the quiz for both the right and left ankle. When completed, you will view the results of your quiz.