Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5261: Knee. Limitation of Extension Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 0% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Knee. Limitation of Extension under diagnostic code 5261 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 5261 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Extension limited to 5 degrees What raters look for5 degrees |
| 10% | Extension limited to 10 degrees What raters look for10 degrees |
| 20% | Extension limited to 15 degrees What raters look for15 degrees |
| 30% | Extension limited to 20 degrees What raters look for20 degrees |
| 40% | Extension limited to 30 degrees What raters look for30 degrees |
| 50% | Extension limited to 45 degrees What raters look for45 degrees |
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 5261 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5261?
Diagnostic code 5261 is the VA rating schedule entry for Knee. Limitation of Extension, 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 5261?
DC 5261 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5261 require?
The 50% rating for Knee. Limitation of Extension requires: Extension limited to 45 degrees.