Claiming Knee / Hip Condition?
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VA Rating Tiers
30%
Meets minimum criteria
20%
moderate limitation
10%
minimal limitation
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Significant or severe limitation — flexion limited to 15° (DC 5260) OR severe recurrent instability (DC 5257) OR major restriction with compensated gait.
- ›20%: Moderate limitation — flexion limited to 30° (DC 5260) OR moderate instability (DC 5257).
- ›10%: Minimal limitation — flexion limited to 45° (DC 5260) OR slight instability (DC 5257).
- ›0%: Symptoms present but below minimum threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 5260 (limitation of knee flexion): 10% at 45°, 20% at 30°, 30% at 15° — measured by goniometer at C&P exam.
- ›DC 5257 (knee instability): 10% slight, 20% moderate, 30% severe.
- ›DC 5261 (limited extension) and DC 5252/5253/5255 (hip motion) follow similar ROM-based schedules.
- ›Maximum rating under these codes is 30% — ratings above 30% require separate codes (e.g., ankylosis, replacement).
- ›Arthritis (DC 5003) can add a 10% or 20% rating if X-ray evidence of degenerative changes is present.
- ›Both knees or both hips may each be rated separately — bilateral claims are allowed.
- ›This app provides an estimate; actual ratings depend on measured ROM at the C&P exam.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Knee and hip conditions are rated primarily based on range of motion (ROM) measurements taken at the C&P exam.
- •Instability (for the knee) is a separate rating basis under DC 5257.
- •X-rays showing arthritis or structural changes can support the claim.
- •Both knee and hip can be claimed — they are separate diagnostic codes rated individually.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •in-service medical records documenting knee or hip pain, injury, or treatment
- •sick call records for joint pain or swelling
- •physical training records or records of high-impact MOS duties
- •records of surgery or physical therapy during service
Medical Evidence
- •orthopedic evaluation with range of motion measurements
- •X-rays or MRI showing structural damage or arthritis
- •physical therapy records
- •surgical records if applicable
- •pain management records
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing when joint pain began and in-service activities that caused it
- •statement describing how pain and limited motion affect daily activities
- •buddy statement describing observed limitations during service
Diagnostic Tests
- •X-ray of affected joint(s)
- •MRI of knee or hip
- •goniometer range of motion measurement
- •orthopedic examination
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Orthopedic / Musculoskeletal
Be ready to describe
- •the in-service cause or event that started the problem
- •current pain level and what makes it better or worse
- •how far you can bend or straighten the knee or hip
- •how the condition affects walking, standing, working, and exercise
Prep notes
- •Move through the full range of motion honestly — do not push through pain to appear better.
- •Describe your worst days, not your best.
- •Mention all joints affected — right knee and left hip are rated separately.
- •If you use a brace, cane, or take pain medication regularly, mention this.
- •Bring imaging (X-rays or MRI) if you have copies.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5257
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Lower Extremity Joints
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
knee painhip painknee injuryhip injuryknee instabilityhip bursitispatellofemoralchondromalaciaknee arthritiship arthritisknee replacementhip replacementmeniscusACLMCLknee limited motionhip limited motion
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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