Knees take a beating in the military. Between marching, running, jumping, kneeling and carrying load, knee injuries and wear are among the most common conditions veterans claim, whether from a single incident or years of repetitive strain.
This guide explains the kinds of knee conditions veterans claim, how DVA approaches them, and the evidence that helps. For the wider picture, see our DVA medical conditions hub and our explainer on the DVA impairment points table.
Article at a glance
- Two pathways: a specific injury, or gradual wear that develops into arthritis.
- Service-linked: marching, load carriage, jumping and kneeling are recognised contributors.
- Each condition has its own rules: the specific knee diagnosis decides which Statement of Principles applies.
- Diagnosis matters: naming the exact condition is what gets a knee claim moving.
The knee conditions veterans commonly claim
“Knee injury” covers a range of distinct conditions, and DVA assesses each on its own terms. The common ones include:
- Meniscal (cartilage) tears
- Ligament injuries, such as the ACL or MCL
- Patellofemoral pain and chondromalacia patellae
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, often from years of load and impact
Where the knee has worn down into arthritis, the dedicated guide to osteoarthritis claims covers that pathway in more detail.
Why service affects the knees
Recognised contributors map closely onto everyday service:
- Marching and running, often under load, on hard surfaces
- Carrying heavy packs that increase impact through the joint
- Repeated jumping, landing, kneeling and squatting
- Twisting and pivoting during training, sport and operations
- Acute injuries from falls, jumps and parachuting
Can you claim a knee condition through DVA?
Yes. The key is that DVA assesses the specific diagnosed condition, not “a sore knee” in general. Each knee condition has its own Statement of Principles, so the first step is a clear diagnosis. From there, liability is assessed by looking at whether your service involved the recognised contributing factors and whether the evidence supports the link. A claim can be accepted where service caused the condition or materially aggravated it. Which legislation applies, MRCA, DRCA or the VEA, depends on when and where you served.
The evidence that helps
- A specific diagnosis from your GP or specialist
- Imaging such as X-ray or MRI, including any scope or surgical reports
- Any records of knee injuries or treatment during service
- Service history showing the physical demands of your roles
- A history of your symptoms and how they affect daily life
Pinning down the exact diagnosis is the step that unlocks the rest. Our guide on getting the right DVA diagnosis walks through it.
Impairment, treatment and compensation
If liability is accepted, treatment for your knee is funded through your DVA card, which can extend to physiotherapy, surgery and, in some cases, knee replacement. The condition also feeds into your impairment assessment, since knee problems affect walking, standing and stairs. How many impairment points apply depends on the individual examination against the guide to determining impairment, so it is best confirmed case by case. Knee and hip conditions can also influence each other over time, so it is worth looking at the whole picture.
Frequently asked questions
I never reported a knee injury during service. Can I still claim?
Possibly. Many knee conditions develop from cumulative load rather than one reported incident. What matters is the diagnosis and whether your service involved the recognised contributing factors.
Will DVA cover a knee replacement?
Where the knee condition is accepted, treatment including surgery can be funded through your DVA card. The specifics depend on your card and clinical advice.
Can I claim both knees?
Yes. Each knee is assessed on its own diagnosis and evidence, and both can be claimed where the link to service is supported.
Knee problems from your service?
Our expert team can help you identify the right diagnosis, connect it to your service and prepare the evidence DVA looks for.
Related from KSC Law
- DVA medical conditions hub
- DVA osteoarthritis claims
- DVA impairment points table
- DVA claims and the claims process