Knee pain is a common issue among Veterans, often stemming from the physical demands of military service. Research shows knee pain affects 25% of adults, with Veterans being at a greater risk due to the rigorous physical activities and injuries experienced during their service.
If you’re living with knee pain as a Veteran, understanding how the VA disability system works is critical to securing the financial benefits you’re entitled to. This guide will walk you through the qualifying conditions, rating system, and steps to take for a successful claim.
Knee Conditions That Qualify for VA Disability
As of 2023, over 1.8 million Veterans total have received some sort of compensation for knee flexion limitations. Here are some of the most common conditions that qualify for benefits.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes stiffness and knee swelling, mostly due to cartilage wear from aging or past injuries. It’s a condition many veterans deal face, with roughly 1 in 4 dealing with arthritis. If your osteoarthritis hinders your mobility, you may qualify for VA disability with proper documentation.
Knee Tuberculosis
Though rare, tuberculosis in the knee joint can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your knee. This condition results from tuberculosis bacteria spreading from other areas of the body. If diagnosed, it can make you eligible for VA disability benefits.
Subluxation
Knee subluxation occurs when the kneecap shifts out of place without fully dislocating. This often leads to significant discomfort and the feeling that your knee might “give out.” Veterans experiencing this may qualify for benefits if their symptoms are linked to military service.
Muscular Knee Injuries
Strained or torn muscles and tendons around the knee are common during military service, especially due to sudden movements or overuse. Such injuries, which are often service-related, must be documented to establish a VA disability claim.
Bursitis
Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs cushioning the knee joints), frequently develops from repeated kneeling or physical exertion. This condition, often experienced by Veterans exposed to intense physical activities during service, could qualify for VA benefits.
Other conditions—such as knee replacement, gout, knee instability, or torn meniscus—may also make you eligible. A medical diagnosis and validated connection to your service are essential to secure these claims.
VA Disability Rating Chart for Knee Pain
The VA assigns disability ratings based on how a condition impacts your daily life and mobility. Ratings range from mild to severe, with different compensation levels. Here’s a breakdown of the knee pain ratings.
10% Disability Rating
- Symptoms: Mild discomfort or limited knee movement.
- Impact: Minimal interference with daily activities, such as walking or exercising.
20% Disability Rating
- Symptoms: Moderate pain that makes certain activities, like stair climbing or long walks, more difficult.
- Impact: Noticeable limitations, but daily functioning remains manageable.
30% Disability Rating
- Symptoms: Severe pain and restricted movement that reduce mobility.
- Impact: Significant difficulty performing tasks like walking or bending the knee without discomfort.
40% Disability Rating
- Symptoms: Severe pain requiring assistive devices, such as a cane or walker.
- Impact: Substantial interference with daily activities and quality of life.
50% Disability Rating
- Symptoms: Constant pain with the knee fixed in a bent position.
- Impact: Severe reduction in mobility and inability to perform basic tasks.
60% Disability Rating
- Symptoms: Knee permanently fixed in extreme bent positions.
- Impact: Total loss of knee function, resulting in complete dependence on mobility aids or caregivers.
How the VA Rates Unfavorable Ankylosis of the Knee
Unfavorable ankylosis occurs when the knee locks into a fixed position, making it difficult or impossible to move. The VA assigns ratings based on the angle of flexion.
- 30% Rating: Knee fixed at favorable angles (straight or slightly bent between 0 and 10 degrees).
- 40% Rating: Knee bent between 10 and 20 degrees.
- 50% Rating: Knee bent between 20 and 45 degrees.
- 60% Rating: Knee bent at angles above 45 degrees, leading to significant immobility.
Limitation of Flexion and Extension
The VA also evaluates your knee’s range of motion by assessing flexion (bending) and extension (straightening):
- 10% Rating: Flexion limited to 45 degrees or extension restricted to 10 degrees.
- 20% Rating: Flexion limited to 30 degrees or extension restricted to 20 degrees.
- 30% Rating: Flexion limited to 15 degrees or extension restricted to 30 degrees.
- 50% Rating: Extension restricted beyond 45 degrees.
The greater your functional limitations, the higher the rating for VA disability for knee pain.
Secondary Conditions Related to Knee Pain
Knee pain doesn’t exist in isolation—it often triggers other health problems, known as secondary conditions. Veterans may qualify for additional compensation if these secondary conditions are linked to their knee pain.
Common Secondary Conditions
- Hip or Back Pain: Resulting from overcompensation for an injured knee.
- Foot and Ankle Injuries: Caused by altered walking patterns or posture.
- Mental Health Issues: Depression or anxiety stemming from chronic pain or limited mobility.
Providing medical evidence that connects your secondary conditions to knee pain is critical for obtaining higher overall compensation.
FAQ
What is the bilateral factor?
The bilateral factor adds an extra 10% to your rating if both knees or body parts on both sides are affected by the condition.
How does the VA test for knee pain?
The VA typically conducts a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, evaluating your knee’s range of motion, stability, and pain levels. The exam may include physical tests and imaging like X-rays to assess your condition.
Can you receive 100% VA Disability for knee pain?
Achieving a 100% rating for knee pain alone is rare but possible through temporary cases like post-surgery recovery or secondary conditions that collectively reach 100%.
Are You Receiving The Compensation You Deserve?
Knee pain is a common but debilitating condition that many Veterans face after their service. Understanding the VA disability process is key to securing the benefits you deserve. With the right approach—documenting symptoms, connecting them to service, and exploring secondary conditions—you can maximize your compensation and improve your quality of life.
Many Veterans don’t realize they could be eligible for a higher rating due to:
- Worsening conditions
- New evidence of service-connected disabilities
- Missed opportunities during the initial filing process
Even if you’ve already been rated, you may still qualify for an increase. Let us do a quick, no-obligation review to find out. Just fill out the form below or give our team a call at (619) 916-4652 to get started.
