VASRD 5164 · Musculoskeletal System
Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action VA Disability Rating
This code covers a below-knee amputation that a prosthesis controlled by the veteran's own knee action cannot improve — most often because the residual stump is too short to drive one. It carries a single evaluation. An amputation through the thigh itself is a different level and is rated under the thigh codes, not here.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | A below-the-knee amputation that a prosthesis worked by your own knee cannot make better. |
How the VA Evaluates Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action
Requires surgical documentation of the amputation level and stump length together with a prosthetics assessment showing that a prosthesis controlled by natural knee action does not improve function. DC 5164 states one evaluation for that finding.
Approval outlook
Very High – clearly visible, severe disability with few functional alternatives.
Veterans service-connected
~600 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~60%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •The surgical amputation report.
- •A VA prosthetics assessment confirming that fitting isn't feasible.
- •Photos and stump measurements.
Strategy Tips
- •Include the prosthetics assessment stating that a knee-controlled prosthesis does not improve function, since that finding is the criterion this code states.
- •Attach caregiver or buddy statements about daily function, since these provide real-world context for how severely this level of amputation affects independence.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Failing to measure the stump length precisely.
- •Assuming basic mobility is sufficient without properly documenting the need for assistive devices.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not including physical therapy results.
- •Omitting the impact on daily life from the prosthetic's inability to function.
Onset Patterns
- •This level of amputation usually results from catastrophic trauma or a severe infection that required removing nearly the entire thigh.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action
- Is Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action under VASRD diagnostic code 5164 (Musculoskeletal System). This code covers a below-knee amputation that a prosthesis controlled by the veteran's own knee action cannot improve — most often because the residual stump is too…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action?
- Possible VA ratings for Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action are 60%. Examples: 60%: A below-the-knee amputation that a prosthesis worked by your own knee cannot make better..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action at around 60%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 600 veterans are service-connected for Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Actio…
- What evidence helps prove Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action claim includes: The surgical amputation report.; A VA prosthetics assessment confirming that fitting isn't feasible.; Photos and stump measurements..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action: Not including physical therapy results.; Omitting the impact on daily life from the prosthetic's inability to function..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action include: Pressure Ulcers, Chronic Fatigue. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5164)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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