Average DVA Payout for Knee Injuries (2026)

Most veterans with service-related knee conditions receive between $5,000 and $150,000+ in permanent impairment compensation under the MRCA, depending on the specific diagnosis, severity of functional loss, and service type. Bilateral knee conditions (both knees affected) are assessed separately for each side, which can significantly increase the total.

Knee injuries are one of the most commonly claimed physical conditions among ADF veterans. The combination of load carriage, running, marching, obstacle courses, and repetitive impact over years of service takes a predictable toll on knee joints.

How DVA assesses knee impairment

Knee conditions are assessed under GARP M Chapter 3 (Impairment of Spine and Limbs). The assessment focuses on two components:

• Functional loss. Measured primarily through range of motion in the knee joint. The assessor measures your flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) using a goniometer. Loss of range of motion translates directly to impairment points.
• Other impairment. Covers instability (ligament laxity), crepitus, swelling, muscle wasting, and the presence of surgical hardware (screws, plates, joint replacements). Joint replacements attract a specific impairment rating regardless of functional outcome.

Each knee is assessed independently. If both knees are affected, each scores separately and the two ratings are combined using the Combined Values Chart.

The approximate impairment point ranges for a single knee:

What each level is worth

Approximate lump sum ranges for knee conditions under the MRCA, based on 2026 indexed rates:

Most veterans don’t claim knee conditions in isolation. Back injuries, hip conditions, and ankle problems often co-occur because the same service activities that damage knees also affect the rest of the lower limb chain. Combined CIS across all musculoskeletal conditions drives the final payout.

Common knee conditions and their SoPs

Osteoarthritis of the knee

SoP 62/2019 RH. The degenerative wear-and-tear condition. Relevant SoP factors include: having a BMI of 25 or above at clinical onset, having a history of trauma to the knee joint, and lifting loads of at least 20 kg while weight bearing for a cumulative period of at least 5,200 hours before clinical onset. Infantry, engineers, and anyone who spent years carrying heavy loads will typically satisfy this factor.

Internal derangement of the knee (IDK)

Covers meniscal tears, ligament tears (ACL, MCL, PCL), and cartilage damage. Usually linked to specific traumatic events during service (landing awkwardly, twisting under load, direct impact) or to repetitive strain.

Chondromalacia patella

SoP 10/2019 RH. Softening of the cartilage under the kneecap. Common in runners and those who did high volumes of loaded marching. SoP factors include running or jogging at least 1,600 km within a continuous 12-month period, or carrying loads of at least 25 kg for at least 100 hours within a 12-month period.

Where veterans lose points

• Only claiming one knee. If both knees are affected, claim both. Each is assessed separately and both contribute to your CIS.
• Not claiming related conditions. Knee problems often develop alongside hip osteoarthritis, lumbar spondylosis, and ankle conditions because altered gait puts stress on other joints. Every related condition should be claimed.
• Old imaging. GARP M assessment relies partly on imaging findings. If your last X-ray or MRI was five years ago and your condition has progressed, get updated imaging before your PI assessment.
• Understating functional impact. If you can’t squat, can’t kneel, struggle with stairs, and can’t walk more than 500 metres without pain, say so. The assessor needs to understand your real-world limitations, not your best-day performance.

What to do next

If your knees were damaged during service, claim them. If you’ve had one knee accepted but not the other, lodge the second. If your knee condition has worsened since your last assessment, request a reassessment with updated imaging.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim a knee injury from PT or training?

Yes. Training injuries, PT injuries, and injuries from sport conducted as part of military service are all claimable. The SoP factors don’t distinguish between operational and training activities. If the trauma or cumulative load occurred during service, it qualifies.

What if I had knee surgery during service?

A knee surgery during service strengthens your claim because it’s documented in your service medical records. Post-surgical outcomes (reduced range of motion, ongoing instability, early-onset osteoarthritis) are all assessable for impairment.

Can I claim knee osteoarthritis decades after discharge?

Yes. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that often doesn’t become symptomatic until years after the exposure that caused it. The SoP factors relate to the activities during service (load carriage, trauma, BMI), not to when you were diagnosed.

Does DVA cover knee replacement surgery?

Yes, if your knee condition is accepted and listed on your White Card. DVA covers the surgery, hospital stay, rehabilitation, and any required aids and appliances under the RAP program at no cost to you.

Do I need to prove a specific incident caused my knee injury?

Not for degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or chondromalacia patella. These have SoP factors based on cumulative load and activity thresholds, not single events. For acute injuries like meniscal tears, a documented incident helps but isn’t always essential if your service activities clearly involved the type of forces that cause these injuries.