Diagnostic Code 5256: Knee. Ankylosis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 30% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Knee. Ankylosis under diagnostic code 5256 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5256 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0 degrees and 10 degrees What raters look forfavorable angle; flexion between 0 and 10 degrees |
| 40% | In flexion between 10 degrees and 20 degrees What raters look forflexion between 10 and 20 degrees |
| 50% | In flexion between 20 degrees and 45 degrees What raters look forflexion between 20 and 45 degrees |
| 60% | Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45 degrees or more What raters look forextremely unfavorable; flexion at 45 degrees or more |
DC 5256 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 115 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5256 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 52.2%, denied 30.4% and sent 17.4% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5256 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Knee. The Knee condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Knee appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 107,856 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Knee, 2021 to 2026. The Knee condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Knee appeals generally rather than DC 5256 specifically. The DC 5256 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5256?
Diagnostic code 5256 is the VA rating schedule entry for Knee. Ankylosis, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5256?
DC 5256 provides ratings of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5256 require?
The 60% rating for Knee. Ankylosis requires: Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45 degrees or more.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5256?
In 112 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5256 from 2021 to 2026, 50.9% were granted, 31.3% denied and 17.9% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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