The knee is unstable or loose, causing it to give way or feel insecure.
For ligament-based instability, medical records that document the type of injury matter at every level. Records showing whether your ligament tear was repaired, whether the repair failed, or whether the tear was never repaired help separate the 20% and 30% levels from the 10% level. A written prescription or order from a medical provider specifying a brace, cane, crutches, or walker for ambulation is central to reaching the 20% or 30% level. For 30%, you need documentation showing both an assistive device and bracing were prescribed together.
For patellar instability, records confirming a diagnosis involving the patellofemoral complex are necessary at all levels. Surgical records showing that a repair addressed one or more patellofemoral components are required for the 20% and 30% levels. As with ligament instability, a provider's written prescription for a brace, cane, or walker moves the rating above 10%, and having both a brace and a cane or walker prescribed after surgical repair supports the 30% level.
At every level, exam findings documenting persistent instability, imaging results, and treatment notes describing how your knee functions during walking can help establish the underlying condition. Statements from you describing how instability affects your ability to walk or work may help show the need for prescribed aids.
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.
