VA may evaluate knee flexion, extension, and instability under different diagnostic codes when the medical findings support separate criteria and the same manifestation is not rated twice.
Range-of-motion measurements, documented instability, functional loss, and treatment records can each be relevant. A private clinician independently determines what findings the evidence supports, and VA decides whether any separate evaluation is permitted.
If your main knee problem is buckling, falls, recurrent subluxation, patellar instability, or a prescribed brace, read the VA knee instability rating evidence checklist. If the file involves total knee replacement, resurfacing, DC 5055 timing, temporary 100% periods, or post-surgery residuals, use the VA knee replacement rating evidence checklist. Those rating lanes are different from flexion and extension measurements.
Review Your Knee Evidence
Compare the symptoms and measurements documented in your records with the criteria VA may review. An evidence review cannot predict or guarantee a rating.