Diagnostic code
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 slight flexion between 0-10 degrees What raters look forfavorable ankylosis |
| 40% | Flexion between 10-20 degrees What raters look forintermediate |
| 50% | Flexion between 20-45 degrees What raters look forunfavorable moderate |
| 60% | Extremely unfavorable at angle of 45 degrees or more What raters look forextremely unfavorable |
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 1,059 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Knee as the primary issue. The Knee condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Knee appeals generally rather than DC 5256 specifically. 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 at angle of 45 degrees or more.