A knee problem in which the joint bends backward beyond its normal range, which may cause pain, weakness, or instability.
To support a 10% rating under this code, evidence needs to show three things: that the condition was caused by a traumatic event, that the knee hyperextends, and that weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing are objectively demonstrated.
Medical records documenting a traumatic injury to the knee help establish the acquired, traumatic origin. Physician or physical therapy examination notes that observe the knee hyperextending during weight-bearing, gait analysis, or range-of-motion testing can show the deformity itself. Objective findings such as observed gait abnormalities, documented instability on physical exam, or functional testing results help satisfy the requirement that weakness and insecurity be demonstrated rather than only reported.
Statements from you or those who know you describing difficulty standing, walking, or bearing weight on the affected knee can add context, but the regulation specifically requires that weakness and insecurity be objectively demonstrated, so clinical findings carry particular weight here.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
