Knee, ankylosis of
The VA rates Knee, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5256 across 4 severity levels, from 30% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5256 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
30%, 40%, 50%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Knee, ankylosis of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0° and 10° Note: Favorable position is full extension (leg straight). |
| 40% | In flexion between 10° and 20° |
| 50% | In flexion between 20° and 45° |
| 60% | Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45° or more |
“In flexion between 20° and 45°”
Common Questions About Knee, ankylosis of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Knee, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Knee, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5256 at 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0° and 10°. The maximum 60% rating requires: Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45° or more.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Knee, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Knee, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5256, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 30% and a 60% rating for Knee, ankylosis of?
A 30% rating requires: Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0° and 10°. A 60% rating requires: Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45° or more. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Knee, ankylosis of qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Knee, ankylosis of alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Knee, ankylosis of?
The key evidence for Knee, ankylosis of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Knee, ankylosis of?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5256 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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