DC 5257 — Knee, other impairment
Also known as: knee instability, knee pain, Knee, other, knee giving way, knee buckling, torn ligament, ACL, MCL, bad knees, knee pain, knee injury, blown out knee, acl tear, torn meniscus, knee replacement
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Knee, other impairment → Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic
How the connection is commonly explained
Prior knee injury is a leading cause of post-traumatic arthritis.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how knee, other impairment led to or worsened degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic.
Knee, other impairment → Knee, other impairment
How the connection is commonly explained
Favoring the injured knee often overloads the opposite knee.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how knee, other impairment led to or worsened knee, other impairment.
Knee, other impairment → Lumbosacral or cervical strain
How the connection is commonly explained
Limping and altered gait from knee injury place abnormal stress on the lumbar spine.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how knee, other impairment led to or worsened lumbosacral or cervical strain.
Knee, other impairment → Thigh, limitation of flexion
How the connection is commonly explained
Compensating for knee pain shifts extra load to the hip joint.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how knee, other impairment led to or worsened thigh, limitation of flexion.
Knee, other impairment → Ankle, limited motion
How the connection is commonly explained
Gait compensation affects ankle mechanics and can lead to chronic ankle pain.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how knee, other impairment led to or worsened ankle, limited motion.
Knee, other impairment → Flatfoot, acquired
How the connection is commonly explained
Altered gait mechanics affect the feet and can worsen flatfoot-type symptoms.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how knee, other impairment led to or worsened flatfoot, acquired.
Knee, other impairment → Major depressive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Loss of mobility and chronic pain contribute to depression.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how knee, other impairment led to or worsened major depressive disorder.
This condition may also be secondary to
Ankle injuries alter gait mechanics, stressing the knee
Altered gait from chronic back pain puts abnormal stress on the knees.
Flat feet alter lower limb alignment and place extra stress on the knee joint.
Altered gait from disc-related back pain places abnormal stress on the knees.
Favoring the injured knee often overloads the opposite knee.
Favoring one knee often overloads the opposite knee.
Favoring one knee can overload the opposite knee over time.
Altered gait from back pain puts abnormal stress on the knees. This is a well-documented biomechanical link.
Foot pain alters gait, stressing the knee joint
Post-traumatic arthritis commonly develops in injured joints
Altered gait from hip pain overloads the knee
Compensating gait from sciatica stresses the knee
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.