The knee has reduced ability to straighten.
The key evidence for this condition is a measurement of how many degrees short of fully straight your knee can go. A VA or private medical examination that includes range-of-motion testing — specifically recording the endpoint of active and passive extension — directly shows which rating level applies. Multiple measurements taken during the same exam, including any noted pain on motion or fatigue with repeated use, help establish an accurate picture of your limitation.
Treatment records such as imaging, surgical notes, and clinical progress notes can support the history and severity of your knee condition. Your own statements, and statements from people who know you, describing how the limited extension affects your ability to walk, climb stairs, stand for periods of time, or perform your job can help show the real-world impact. If your extension varies day to day, records documenting your condition on different dates may reflect the range of your limitation more completely.
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.
