Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5257

Looseness or giving way of the knee joint. Unlike range of motion codes, instability is rated based on severity (slight, moderate, severe) rather than degrees of motion. It can be rated separately from flexion/extension limitations.

Rating Levels

Your knee has severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. This is the maximum rating under this code.

What the VA looks for

Severe lateral instability on examination
Knee gives way frequently causing falls
Requires constant brace or assistive device
Significant ligament damage documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing instability can be rated separately from range of motion — you can get both DC 5257 and DC 5260/5261 for the same knee (VAOPGCPREC 23-97).
⚠Not reporting episodes of the knee giving way, buckling, or causing falls.
⚠C&P examiner not performing stability testing — ask for specific ligament tests.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Knee and Lower Leg Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…