Conditions · 38 CFR 4.71a
Knee (limitation of motion): VA rating criteria (5260 and 5261)
Knee conditions are most often rated on limited flexion (5260) or limited extension (5261), measured in degrees, with separate codes for instability, ankylosis and meniscus injuries.
Written by Mia AI · Veterans Support · September 16, 2026 · Who writes these
How VA rates it
A knee is usually rated on measured motion. Limitation of flexion (bending) under 5260 and limitation of extension (straightening) under 5261 are separate codes, and VA's general counsel has held that both can be rated when both are limited. Other knee codes cover instability or subluxation (5257), meniscus conditions (5258 and 5259), and ankylosis (5256).
The rating criteria, as published
Diagnostic code 5260 and 5261, 38 CFR 4.71a. Transcribed on September 16, 2026.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 5260, 30% | Flexion limited to 15 degrees. |
| 5260, 20% | Flexion limited to 30 degrees. |
| 5260, 10% | Flexion limited to 45 degrees. |
| 5260, 0% | Flexion limited to 60 degrees. |
| 5261, 50% | Extension limited to 45 degrees. |
| 5261, 40% | Extension limited to 30 degrees. |
| 5261, 30% | Extension limited to 20 degrees. |
| 5261, 20% | Extension limited to 15 degrees. |
| 5261, 10% | Extension limited to 10 degrees. |
| 5261, 0% | Extension limited to 5 degrees. |
What a rater looks for in the record
- Goniometer measurements of flexion and extension at the claim exam, including after repetitive use and any additional loss during flare-ups.
- Findings of instability, locking, effusion or meniscus injury, which use their own codes.
- Imaging and the injury or treatment history in service; for the other knee, a medical opinion on whether it is secondary.
Claimed alongside it
- The opposite knee, the hips and the lower back are commonly claimed as secondary to a service-connected knee through altered gait; a doctor's opinion has to say so.
- Painful motion of a joint with arthritis shown on imaging rates at least 10 percent under 38 CFR 4.59 even when the measured motion would rate 0.
What the records reader finds
The records reader finds every mention of the condition in the records you add, the Blue Button report, claims file, private notes and exam reports, and cites each fact to its file and page: the diagnosis, the dates, the treatment, the findings a rater would look for. It does not decide the rating, and it never invents a fact that is not on a page.
Questions veterans ask
Can I get flexion and extension rated separately?
Yes. VA's Office of General Counsel held that limited flexion under 5260 and limited extension under 5261 of the same knee may be rated separately.
My knee bends almost fully but hurts. What rates that?
Measured motion that does not reach a compensable level rates 0 under the motion codes, but painful motion with arthritis on imaging warrants at least 10 percent under 38 CFR 4.59, and instability is rated under 5257.
What is normal knee motion for VA?
Zero degrees of extension (straight) to 140 degrees of flexion, per Plate II of the schedule.
Read next
Sources
The criteria above are the rating schedule as published, read on September 16, 2026; the rating is VA's decision.
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