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

VA Rating Tiers

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

This code is rated on one measured angle — how far the knee will bend. Flexion limited to 60° rates 0 percent, 45° rates 10 percent, 30° rates 20 percent and 15° rates 30 percent. The measurement is taken with a goniometer during a Compensation & Pension or orthopedic exam and has to be an active, reproducible limitation. Limitation of extension of the same knee is a separate code (DC 5261) with its own scale.

Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.

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%: The knee bends only about 15 degrees.; 20%: The knee bends only about 30 degrees.; 10%: The knee bends only about 45 degrees..

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee)?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 2,312,985 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Limitation of Flexion of the Leg (Knee) as of September 30, 2025. E…

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.

Official sources

1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5260)
2. VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.