The knee can be rated on three separate codes: Flexion (bending), Extension (straightening), and Instability (giving out). This is often called the "Knee Pain Triad."
Many veterans are rated for just one aspect (painful motion - 10%). By properly documenting the ROM and instability with a private doctor, you can potentially get rated for all three aspects on a single knee.
If your main knee problem is buckling, falls, recurrent subluxation, patellar instability, or a prescribed brace, read the VA knee instability rating evidence checklist. That guide focuses on DC 5257 evidence, which is different from flexion and extension measurements.
Check Your Knees
Are you underrated for joint pain? Let's review your file.