If you’re a Veteran and have been denied your full benefits or are seeking to increase your VA disability rating for Knee Injuries, we’re here to help you fight back and win.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are a common issue for Veterans, often stemming from the physical demands of military service. If you’re experiencing a knee injury that impacts your daily life, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Here’s everything you need to know to get the VA disability rating you deserve for your knee injury.
How We Help You Win Your VA Claim for a Knee Injury
Facing the physical pain and limited mobility from a knee injury is difficult enough without having to go through months and often years of governmental red tape to get your benefits.
The VA system is designed to wear you down until you give up and go away, leaving you frustrated, angry, and worried about how you’re going to pay the bills.
At Tucker Disability Law, we specialize in helping Veterans understand and navigate the complexities of knee injury claims. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive accurate VA disability ratings for your knee injury so you can start receiving the benefits you need.
We also know that you can’t wait years to get those benefits.
That’s why we specialize in winning cases at the Regional Office level, getting you the compensation you need in a fraction of the time it takes those other disability law firms.
No Upfront Costs
We believe in earning your trust through results. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you get paid.
Our Simple 3-Step Plan to Secure Your VA Benefits
Get Your Benefits Faster.
Trust our proven track record to expedite your VA claim.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Knee Injuries
Understanding Your VA Disability Rating for Knee Injuries
The VA assigns disability ratings based on how much your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. For knee injuries, the rating can vary depending on the severity and impact on your mobility. The VA uses a specific schedule of ratings to determine how much compensation you’ll receive.
Common Causes of Knee Injury in Veterans
Knee injuries can be caused by a variety of conditions, many of which are related to military service. Common causes include:
- Arthritis: Degenerative joint disease that worsens over time.
- Meniscus Tears: Injuries to the cartilage in the knee.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee.
- Ligament Injuries: Such as ACL or MCL tears.
Common Secondary Conditions Related to Knee Injuries
When you have a knee injury, it’s important to think about not just the knee itself, but also other health problems that can develop because of it. These additional conditions, called secondary conditions, happen because of your original knee injury.
Recognizing these extra issues can boost your VA compensation since they show how much your injury really affects your daily life.
These might include:
- Back Pain: Due to altered gait or compensating for knee pain.
- Hip Pain: Resulting from changes in posture and walking.
- Ankle and Foot Disorders: Caused by uneven weight distribution.
- Muscle Weakness: Knee pain can cause reduced activity contributing to muscle weakness.
- Nerve Damage: Knee injuries can damage nearby nerves.
- Mental Health conditions: Chronic knee pain can lead to depression and anxiety.
Additionally, if your knee injury prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which allows you to receive benefits at the 100% disability rate even if your knee injury rating is less than 100%.
Qualifying for TDIU:
- One disability rated at least 60%, or
- Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, with one disability rated at least 40%.
Total Knee Replacement and VA Disability Benefits
If you’ve undergone a total knee replacement due to a service-related injury, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. The VA recognizes that knee replacements can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life, and they offer compensation based on the severity of your condition.
How Benefits Are Determined:
- Temporary 100% Rating: After your surgery, the VA typically assigns a temporary 100% disability rating for 12 months. This rating acknowledges the recovery period and the challenges you might face during rehabilitation.
- Permanent Rating: After the initial 12 months, the VA will re-evaluate your condition. Depending on your ongoing symptoms—such as pain, limited mobility, or instability—the VA will assign a permanent disability rating, usually between 30% and 60%.
Tips for Increasing Your VA Disability Rating for Knee Injuries
If you believe your current rating doesn’t fully reflect the severity of your knee injury, you can file for an increased rating. Here’s how:
- Document Any Worsening of Symptoms: Keep a journal of how your knee pain affects your life, noting any changes or increases in pain.
- Get a Second Opinion: A new medical evaluation may provide additional evidence to support a higher rating.
- Appeal Your Rating: If your initial claim was denied or your rating is too low, Tucker Disability Law’s expert VA Denial Team is ready to help you appeal and win your case.
How Much Money Can You Get Monthly from VA Disability Benefits?
The amount you receive depends on your VA disability rating for your knee injury.
The rating is a percentage measured by the severity of your service-connected condition. In other words, the more severe your condition, the higher your rating. If you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a special formula to combine them into one overall rating.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
These figures can increase if you have dependents or if your condition worsens over time. For more information, go to our VA Disability Compensation Page.
A higher rating not only means more financial support each month, it can also qualify you for additional benefits, such as increased access to VA healthcare services, vocational training and housing assistance.
Take the First Step Toward Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Dealing with knee injuries is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Tucker Disability Law, we are dedicated to helping Veterans secure the benefits they’ve earned.
Whether you need help navigating the VA’s rating system, appealing your denial, or applying for TDIU, we’re here for you.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Knee Injuries
