If you have ever been on a ruck march or backpacking, you understand the toll that it can take on your knees and joints. Few know and understand this pain like military veterans who are often required to march and hike long distances with rucksacks that can weigh from 80-120 pounds or more. Veterans who have service-connected knee pain or limited mobility (flexion) in their knees may have questions about how to file a disability claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and one of the questions we often get at VA Benefits Attorneys is — how does the VA rate knee pain — and we are here to answer your questions.

What Is the VA Disability Rating for Knee Pain?

Did you know that an estimated 2 million veterans receive disability compensation for knee pain or limited knee mobility? It is one of the most common VA disability claims and includes a disability rating that will range from 0% to 100% with intervals of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and a temporary 100% rating for veterans who receive knee surgery.

VA disability ratings for knee pain and mobility are based primarily on specific knee conditions like Ankylosis, limited knee flexion, limited knee extension, and pain severity. Knee flexion is measured by the bending of the knee and the angle between the thigh and shin as it decreases. Knee extension is measured by the angle between the thigh and shin when the leg is straightened.

Here is a closer look at how the Department of Veterans Affairs rates veteran disability for service-connected knee issues based on the level of pain the veteran endures, the level of flexion, and the level of extension:

• 0% Rating — A 0% disability rating is given to veterans with knee flexion that is limited to 60° or knee extension that is limited to 5°.
• 10% Rating — Veterans who receive this rating will have a knee sprain or ligament tear that causes instability and pain that can be managed with medications or assistive devices. With this disability rating, veterans can have knee flexion limited to 45° and knee extension limited to 10°.
• 20% Rating — A veteran with a 20% disability rating will have a sprain or partial ligament tear that causes regular instability and requires a brace or assistive device prescribed by a medical professional OR an unrepaired ligament tear that causes instability with a prescribed assistive device. Veterans may receive this rating with flexion limited to 30° and extension limited to 15°.
• 30% Rating — The veteran has an unrepaired or failed repair of a ligament tear that necessitates an assistive device and a brace, prescribed by a medical professional. This disability rating may also be based on mild Ankylosis, knee flexion limited to 15°, or knee extension limited to 20°.
• 40% Rating — A veteran may receive a 40% rating for Ankylosis with flexion that is between 10° and 20° or knee extension that is limited to 30°
• 50% Rating — Veterans with a 50% disability rating for knee pain or mobility must have Ankylosis with flexion that is limited to between 20° and 45° or knee extension that is limited to 45°.
• 60% Rating — Veterans who receive a 60% disability rating for limited knee mobility must have an diagnosed case of extreme Ankylosis with flexion that is measured at or above 45°.
• 100% Rating — Veterans who receive surgery for service-connected knee pain or limited mobility may receive a temporary 100% disability rating for 4 months after their surgery. 

What Knee Conditions Qualify for VA Disability? 

Veterans may be eligible to receive a disability rating for select knee conditions that go beyond knee pain and limited mobility. These specific knee issues do not guarantee the success of a VA disability claim and a connection to military service must be proven.

Here is a closer look at knee conditions that may make a veteran eligible for disability compensation:

• Ankylosis — This knee condition refers to stiffness in the knee that can prevent movement and may have been caused by an injury or medical condition.
• Instability — Instability in the knee is defined as side-to-side flexion of the knee when performing basic day-to-day tasks.
• Osteoarthritis — This medical condition is a form of arthritis in the knee where the cartilage has broken down and caused damage to the bone.
• Effusion — Effusion is a medical term for a swollen knee with excessive fluid at the joint.
• Bursitis — This medical condition occurs when the bursae (fluid-filled sacks in the knee) become painful and inflamed.
• Subluxation — This knee condition is a partial dislocation of the knee that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Hyperextension — Hyperextension is the medical term for when the knee is forced to move past a standard range of motion in one direction, causing pain.

READ MORE: How Will VA Disability Rates Change in 2026?

Are you a military veteran who struggles with knee pain or limited knee mobility? You may have questions about filing your disability claim, questions that include — how does the VA rate knee pain? We have answers right here at VA Benefits Attorneys.

Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for more information about the disability claims process!