Knee, other impairment of

Diagnostic code 5257

This formula governs the musculoskeletal system criteria published in 38 CFR §4.71a. The criteria below are quoted from the regulation and are current as of 2026-07-07.

This explains the published rating criteria. It is not a prediction about any veteran’s claim, and only VA decides a rating.

38 CFR §4.71aRegulation text current as of 2026-07-07

Published criteria

5257 Knee, other impairment of:

Recurrent subluxation or instability:

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

One of the following:

(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

Patellar instability:

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 ladder in the regulation

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).

Related VA rating resources

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