VASRD 5261 · Musculoskeletal System – Knee/Leg

Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) VA Disability Rating

Knee extension limits your ability to fully straighten your leg.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
50%Leg can’t straighten—very limited mobility.
40%Straightening knee is painful and incomplete.
30%Some ability to straighten knee but significant restriction.
20%Noticeable knee extension limit—affects standing or walking.
10%Mild restriction in knee straightening—may affect posture.
0%Barely noticeable inability to straighten leg fully.

How the VA Evaluates Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee)

Goniometer reading during VA C&P or orthopedic assessment, showing consistent extension limits.

Approval rate

High – well-documented ROM loss leads to reliable ratings.

Annual service-connected

152,700 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Goniometric extension measurements
  • •Physical therapy evaluations
  • •Knee X-ray or MRI

Strategy Tips

  • •Ensure accurate, cold-start ROM exam
  • •Include documentation of functional impact (stairs, squatting)
  • •Use PT and imaging to support findings

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Measuring ROM after warming up
  • •No pain reported during extension
  • •Failing to repeat tests for consistency

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No goniometric exam included
  • •Only listing pain without functional limitation
  • •Failure to show medical history or imaging

Onset Patterns

  • •Frequently follows surgery, arthritis, or injury
  • •May progress slowly over time

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Lower Back Pain

    Leg imbalance may strain the lumbar spine.

  • Gait Instability

    Straight leg limitations change walking posture.

Common questions about Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee)

Is Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) under VASRD diagnostic code 5261 (Musculoskeletal System – Knee/Leg). Knee extension limits your ability to fully straighten your leg.
What VA disability rating can I get for Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee)?
Possible VA ratings for Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) are 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 50% — Leg can’t straighten—very limited mobility.; 40% — Straightening knee is painful and incomplete.; 30% — Some ability to straighten knee but significant restriction..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee)?
The average awarded rating for Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) is 10%. Roughly 152,700 veterans are service-connected for Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – well-documented ROM loss leads to reliable ratings..
What evidence helps prove Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) claim includes: Goniometric extension measurements; Physical therapy evaluations; Knee X-ray or MRI.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee): No goniometric exam included; Only listing pain without functional limitation; Failure to show medical history or imaging.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) include: Lower Back Pain, Gait Instability. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Knee) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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