What are the VA rating percentages for Knee Limited Flexion?

Knee Limited Flexion (DC 5260) is rated at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260. Flexion limited to 60 degrees.

What rates 0% for Knee Limited Flexion under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 (DC 5260), a 0% rating for Knee Limited Flexion requires: Flexion limited to 60 degrees.

What rates 10% for Knee Limited Flexion under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 (DC 5260), a 10% rating for Knee Limited Flexion requires: Flexion limited to 45 degrees.

What rates 20% for Knee Limited Flexion under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 (DC 5260), a 20% rating for Knee Limited Flexion requires: Flexion limited to 30 degrees.

What rates 30% for Knee Limited Flexion under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 (DC 5260), a 30% rating for Knee Limited Flexion requires: Flexion limited to 15 degrees.

What happens during a C&P exam for Knee Limited Flexion?

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.

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CLAIM RECON INTEL

Knee Limited Flexion

Q: What evidence do I need for a Knee Limited Flexion VA claim?

Key evidence for a Knee Limited Flexion 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 526038 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5260

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

0–30%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Knee Limited Flexion is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5260 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 across 4 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 20% / 30%). 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

Limited ability to bend (flex) the knee, affecting squatting, kneeling, stair climbing, and sitting comfort

Rating Criteria

Flexion limited to 60 degrees.

10%

Flexion limited to 45 degrees.

20%

Flexion limited to 30 degrees.

30%

Flexion limited to 15 degrees.

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

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