Knee instability DC 5257
Listed in the rating schedule as “Knee, other impairment of”. VA rates it under diagnostic code 5257 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Legs & feet.
Also searched as: ACL, torn ACL, ACL tear, MCL, unstable knee, patellar instability.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 3 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, and 30%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
It affects one leg, so each side is rated on its own. When both sides are rated, VA adds the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 30% | Recurrent subluxation or instability: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 |
| 20% | Recurrent subluxation or instability: 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. (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% | Recurrent subluxation or instability: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% | Patellar instability: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% | Patellar instability: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% | Patellar instability: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 |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Notes in the schedule (2)
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).
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Knee (limited flexion) DC 5260 Established link Rated separately
If your knee also gives way or feels unstable, VA can rate the instability separately from arthritis or lost motion.
What to gather: Ask the examiner to do stability tests and record any giving way, falls, or use of a brace or cane.
Sources: VA General Counsel VAOPGCPREC 23-97 (knee arthritis and instability rated separately); 38 CFR 4.71a
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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