Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5257: Knee. Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10% to 30%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Knee. Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability under diagnostic code 5257 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5257 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability What raters look forslight instability |
| 20% | Moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability What raters look formoderate instability |
| 30% | Severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability What raters look forsevere instability; requires brace |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Knee. The Knee condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Knee appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,059 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Knee as the primary issue. The Knee condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Knee appeals generally rather than DC 5257 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5257?
Diagnostic code 5257 is the VA rating schedule entry for Knee. Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5257?
DC 5257 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5257 require?
The 30% rating for Recurrent Subluxation or Lateral Instability requires: Severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.