What happens during a C&P exam for Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (DC 5299) is rated at 20%, 10%, 0% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299. DC 5260 "Leg, limitation of flexion of: Flexion limited to 30°" = 20% (when chronic ITBS has caused secondary knee ROM limitation); DC 5252 "Thigh, limitation of flexion of: Flexion limited to 30°" = 20% (proximal ITB at hip); DC 5253 "Thigh, impairment of: Limitation of abduction beyond 10°" = 20%. (Verbatim § 4.71a.)

Q: What rates 20% for Iliotibial Band Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 20% rating for Iliotibial Band Syndrome requires: DC 5260 "Leg, limitation of flexion of: Flexion limited to 30°" = 20% (when chronic ITBS has caused secondary knee ROM limitation); DC 5252 "Thigh, limitation of flexion of: Flexion limited to 30°" = 20% (proximal ITB at hip); DC 5253 "Thigh, impairment of: Limitation of abduction beyond 10°" = 20%. (Verbatim § 4.71a.)

Q: What rates 10% for Iliotibial Band Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 10% rating for Iliotibial Band Syndrome requires: DC 5260 "Knee flexion limited to 45°" = 10%; DC 5252 "Thigh flexion limited to 45°" = 10%; DC 5253 "Limitation of rotation, cannot toe-out >15°" = 10%; OR — DC 5003 single-major-joint fallback with painful motion / positive Ober test / lateral epicondyle tenderness = 10%. ⚠ If rated by analogy to DC 5024, X-ray-only pathway NOT available per Note 2.

Q: What rates 0% for Iliotibial Band Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 0% rating for Iliotibial Band Syndrome requires: ITBS diagnosed (positive Ober test, lateral knee tenderness at femoral epicondyle) without compensable ROM impact AND without persistent objectively-confirmed painful motion. Most ITBS resolves with conservative treatment (PT, stretching, gait analysis) — chronic refractory cases warrant 10% via DC 5003 fallback.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Iliotibial Band Syndrome VA claim?

Key evidence for a Iliotibial Band Syndrome claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 529938 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5299

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

0–20%

3 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Iliotibial Band Syndrome is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5299 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 across 3 severity tiers (20% / 10% / 0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Friction and inflammation of the iliotibial band as it crosses the lateral femoral condyle, causing outer knee or hip pain during activity

Rating Criteria

20%

DC 5260 "Leg, limitation of flexion of: Flexion limited to 30°" = 20% (when chronic ITBS has caused secondary knee ROM limitation); DC 5252 "Thigh, limitation of flexion of: Flexion limited to 30°" = 20% (proximal ITB at hip); DC 5253 "Thigh, impairment of: Limitation of abduction beyond 10°" = 20%. (Verbatim § 4.71a.)

10%

DC 5260 "Knee flexion limited to 45°" = 10%; DC 5252 "Thigh flexion limited to 45°" = 10%; DC 5253 "Limitation of rotation, cannot toe-out >15°" = 10%; OR — DC 5003 single-major-joint fallback with painful motion / positive Ober test / lateral epicondyle tenderness = 10%. ⚠ If rated by analogy to DC 5024, X-ray-only pathway NOT available per Note 2.

ITBS diagnosed (positive Ober test, lateral knee tenderness at femoral epicondyle) without compensable ROM impact AND without persistent objectively-confirmed painful motion. Most ITBS resolves with conservative treatment (PT, stretching, gait analysis) — chronic refractory cases warrant 10% via DC 5003 fallback.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

LOADING