VASRD 5260 · Musculoskeletal System – Knee/Leg

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

Loss of knee flexion makes it difficult to squat, sit, or use stairs.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Knee can barely bend—severe mobility limitation.
20%Knee bending restricted—walking and stairs are difficult.
10%Knee is stiff and tight—limits range with movement.
0%Knee doesn’t bend fully but doesn’t affect daily tasks much.

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

Measured flexion with a goniometer during C&P or orthopedic exam; must be actively limited and reproducible.

Approval rate

High – commonly awarded with measurable flexion limits.

Annual service-connected

178,200 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA goniometer exam showing flexion limits
  • •Orthopedic evaluations or PT progress reports
  • •X-rays or MRI if degeneration is involved

Strategy Tips

  • •Use goniometer readings from VA or private provider
  • •Include video/photo of functional impact if possible
  • •Describe stair difficulty, walking limits

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •ROM measured after exercise instead of cold start
  • •No pain reported during flexion exam
  • •Only subjective description without measured limitation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No ROM data from C&P
  • •Only mentioning pain without measurements
  • •Claiming without imaging or treatment records

Onset Patterns

  • •Common after trauma, surgery, or arthritis
  • •Flexion loss can worsen over time

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Knee Instability

    Stiffness may alter joint mechanics.

  • Thigh Muscle Atrophy

    Limited movement leads to disuse of upper leg muscles.

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

Is Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) under VASRD diagnostic code 5260 (Musculoskeletal System – Knee/Leg). Loss of knee flexion makes it difficult to squat, sit, or use stairs.
What VA disability rating can I get for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee)?
Possible VA ratings for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30% — Knee can barely bend—severe mobility limitation.; 20% — Knee bending restricted—walking and stairs are difficult.; 10% — Knee is stiff and tight—limits range with movement..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee)?
The average awarded rating for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) is 10%. Roughly 178,200 veterans are service-connected for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – commonly awarded with measurable flexion limits..
What evidence helps prove Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) claim includes: VA goniometer exam showing flexion limits; Orthopedic evaluations or PT progress reports; X-rays or MRI if degeneration is involved.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee): No ROM data from C&P; Only mentioning pain without measurements; Claiming without imaging or treatment records.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) include: Knee Instability, Thigh Muscle Atrophy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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