---
title: "DC 5261 - Leg, limitation of extension of:"
diagnostic_code: "5261"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5261-limited-knee-extension"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:03:17.510557Z"
---

# DC 5261 - Leg, limitation of extension of:

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Extension limited to 45° |
| 40% | Extension limited to 30° |
| 30% | Extension limited to 20° |
| 20% | Extension limited to 15° |
| 10% | Extension limited to 10° |
| 0% | Extension limited to 5° |

# Limitation of Extension of the Leg (Diagnostic Code 5261)

**VA Disability Rating Schedule — Musculoskeletal System | 38 CFR § 4.71a**

## Understanding This Condition

"Limitation of extension of the leg" refers to a reduced ability to straighten the knee joint fully. When the leg cannot extend to its normal position, everyday movements like standing, walking, and bearing weight can be affected.

Under Diagnostic Code 5261, the VA assigns a disability rating based on how limited the leg's extension is, measured in degrees. The greater the limitation, the higher the rating.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA uses the following schedule to rate limitation of extension of the leg:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **50%** | Extension limited to 45° |
| **40%** | Extension limited to 30° |
| **30%** | Extension limited to 20° |
| **20%** | Extension limited to 15° |
| **10%** | Extension limited to 10° |
| **0%** | Extension limited to 5° |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA focuses on **how far the leg's extension is limited**, measured in degrees. The rating is determined by matching the documented degree of limitation to the levels shown above:

- A more severe limitation (extension limited to a larger degree, such as 45°) corresponds to a higher rating.
- A milder limitation (such as extension limited to 5°) corresponds to a lower rating.

Because the rating is tied directly to measured degrees of limitation, clear documentation of the leg's range of extension is central to how this condition is evaluated.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5261. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a