VASRD 5251 · Musculoskeletal System

Thigh, Limitation of Extension VA Disability Rating

Difficulty straightening the leg due to tightness, injury, or arthritis in the thigh.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Can't fully straighten leg by 5 degrees

How the VA Evaluates Thigh, Limitation of Extension

Measured limitation in thigh extension using a goniometer or physical exam.

Approval rate

Moderate – needs clear physical measurement.

Annual service-connected

85,000 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Range of motion test results
  • •Orthopedic exam showing restricted extension

Strategy Tips

  • •Have provider perform motion tests
  • •Describe how it limits walking, standing, or working
  • •Include secondary impacts like back or knee pain

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failing to use a goniometer
  • •Only listing pain, not range loss

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Only complaining of pain without motion testing
  • •No evidence of loss of extension

Onset Patterns

  • •Often from prior trauma, surgery, or chronic use injury
  • •Can progress with aging or arthritis

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Thigh, Limitation of Extension. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Knee Pain

    Poor movement can affect surrounding joints

  • Back Strain

    Altered gait stresses back

Common questions about Thigh, Limitation of Extension

Is Thigh, Limitation of Extension a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Thigh, Limitation of Extension under VASRD diagnostic code 5251 (Musculoskeletal System). Difficulty straightening the leg due to tightness, injury, or arthritis in the thigh.
What VA disability rating can I get for Thigh, Limitation of Extension?
Possible VA ratings for Thigh, Limitation of Extension are 10%. Examples: 10% — Can't fully straighten leg by 5 degrees.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Thigh, Limitation of Extension?
The average awarded rating for Thigh, Limitation of Extension is 10%. Roughly 85,000 veterans are service-connected for Thigh, Limitation of Extension each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – needs clear physical measurement..
What evidence helps prove Thigh, Limitation of Extension for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Thigh, Limitation of Extension claim includes: Range of motion test results; Orthopedic exam showing restricted extension.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Thigh, Limitation of Extension?
Common pitfalls when filing for Thigh, Limitation of Extension: Only complaining of pain without motion testing; No evidence of loss of extension.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Thigh, Limitation of Extension?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Thigh, Limitation of Extension include: Knee Pain, Back Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Thigh, Limitation of Extension combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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