Leg, limitation of extension of DC 5261
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5261 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Legs & feet.
Also searched as: knee extension.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 6 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
It affects one leg, so each side is rated on its own. When both sides are rated, VA adds the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 50% | Extension limited to 45° |
| 40% | Extension limited to 30° |
| 30% | Extension limited to 20° |
| 20% | Extension limited to 15° |
| 10% | Extension limited to 10° |
| 0% | Extension limited to 5° |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Knee (limited flexion) DC 5260 Established link Rated separately
If you can't fully straighten your knee, that can be rated separately from how far you can bend it.
What to gather: Ask the examiner to measure both bending (flexion) and straightening (extension), including after repeated use and during flare-ups.
Sources: VA General Counsel VAOPGCPREC 9-2004 (limited knee flexion and extension rated separately); 38 CFR 4.71a
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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