Veterans with various knee pains or injuries are suitable for up to a 60% disability rating, which equals to $1319.65 at this moment.
Knee pains or injuries are very common among veterans. From the beginning of their training to the end of their service in the military, veterans go through many vigorous tasks that take a toll on their physical and mental health. As a result, they develop many physical disabilities, including knee injuries.
Types of Knee Problems That Veterans Suffer from
A veteran may suffer from different types of knee problems. Some of these problems are –
- Subluxation (Partial dislocation)
- Ankylosis (Kind of stiffness that stops the movement of the knee)
- Osteomyelitis (Bone infection)
- Genu Recurvatum (A condition where the knee bends backward or extends at an extreme level)
Sometimes, these knee problems can cause other health problems like back pain or hip pain. And sometimes, other health problems cause these knee problems in the first place.
Disability Rating for Knee Pain
The VA rates knee pain from 0% to 60% according to the pain or lack of mobility. VA ratings measure flexion (the knee’s ability to bend) and extension (the knee’s ability to extend). Typically, knees can be bent from 135 to 140 degrees and extended from 0 to -10 degrees. There are different ratings for different knee conditions.
For example, the VA rates Knee Ankylosis (Stiffness that obstructs movement) under the diagnostic code 5256 and the ratings are –
- 30% Rating: This rating is for a favorable angle in full extension or a flexion between 0 and 10 degrees.
- 40% Rating: This rating is for a moderate angle in flexion between 10 and 20 degrees.
- 50% Rating: This is the rating for an unfavorable angle in flexion between 20 and 45 degrees.
- 60% Rating: This is the rating for a highly unfavorable condition in a flexion of 45 or more degrees.
The VA rates Subluxation (Partial dislocation) as code 5257, and the ratings are –
- 10% Rating: The VA gives this rating when there is a ligament tear or sprain, but a medical expert doesn’t recommend any assistive device for walking.
- 20% Rating: The VA gives this rating when there is a ligament tear or sprain that causes instability, and a medical expert recommends an assistive device or braces.
- 30% Rating: The VA gives this rating when there is a ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical expert recommends an assistive device as well as braces.
Conclusion
If you are a veteran suffering from any of the conditions stated above, then one of the best things you can do for yourself and your knee is to contact the experts. VA Disability Coach is dedicated to making sure that veterans with physical disabilities can claim maximum benefits for their health conditions.