Leg, limitation of flexion of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5260)

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

Diagnostic Code 5260 is the VA rating identifier for Leg, limitation of flexion of within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Leg, limitation of flexion of under DC 5260 is 30%. This tier requires: Flexion limited to 15°. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Leg, limitation of flexion of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Leg, limitation of flexion of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5260. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Leg, limitation of flexion of include: Ankle Instability / Ankle Arthritis, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Obesity-Mediated Chain), Contralateral Knee Pain / Osteoarthritis, Depression / Anxiety (Chronic Mobility Impairment), Hip Pain / Hip Bursitis / Hip Arthritis, Lumbar Strain / Lumbosacral Spine Condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

The key evidence for Leg, limitation of flexion of depends on the body system. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and documented flare-ups are the most impactful evidence. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

Leg, limitation of flexion of maxes at 30%, below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if Leg, limitation of flexion of alone prevents work regardless of the rating percentage.