DC 5260Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71a

Leg, limitation of flexion of

The VA rates Leg, limitation of flexion of under Diagnostic Code 5260 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 30%. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 6 documented secondary conditions linked to Leg, limitation of flexion of.

View 6 secondary conditions for DC 5260

Rating schedule — DC 5260 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
30%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
6

Mapped in our database

What are the VA rating criteria for Leg, limitation of flexion of?

RatingCriteria
0%

Flexion limited to 60°

Note: Normal knee flexion is approximately 140 degrees. Ratings are assigned when flexion falls below threshold values. DC 5260 applies when the primary limitation is in flexion rather than extension.

10%

Flexion limited to 45°

20%

Flexion limited to 30°

30%

Flexion limited to 15°

Note: Flexion limited to 15 degrees represents severe functional limitation. At this level the veteran cannot perform activities requiring knee bending such as stair climbing or kneeling.

Flexion limited to 30°

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Leg, limitation of flexion of?

View 6 secondary conditions linked to Leg, limitation of flexion of

Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310

Common Questions About Leg, limitation of flexion of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Leg, limitation of flexion of?

The VA rates Leg, limitation of flexion of under Diagnostic Code 5260 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Flexion limited to 60°. The maximum 30% rating requires: Flexion limited to 15°.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Leg, limitation of flexion of?

The VA rates Leg, limitation of flexion of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5260, 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 0% and a 30% rating for Leg, limitation of flexion of?

A 0% rating requires: Flexion limited to 60°. A 30% rating requires: Flexion limited to 15°. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Leg, limitation of flexion of qualify for TDIU?

Leg, limitation of flexion of maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Leg, limitation of flexion of?

The key evidence for Leg, limitation of flexion 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.

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Leg, limitation of flexion of?

Leg, limitation of flexion of is associated with 6 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.

What happens at the C&P exam for Leg, limitation of flexion of?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5260 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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