---
title: "DC 5263 - Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)"
diagnostic_code: "5263"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5263-genu-recurvatum-acquired-traumatic-with-weakness-and"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:51:37.261745Z"
---

# DC 5263 - Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated) |

# Genu Recurvatum (Diagnostic Code 5263)

## Understanding This Knee Condition and How the VA Rates It

**Diagnostic Code:** 5263
**Body System:** Musculoskeletal System
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.71a

---

### What Is Genu Recurvatum?

Genu recurvatum is a knee condition in which the knee bends backward beyond its normal straight position. Under this diagnostic code, the VA specifically addresses **acquired, traumatic genu recurvatum** — meaning the condition developed as a result of an injury rather than being present from birth.

For rating purposes under Diagnostic Code 5263, this condition is characterized by **weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing** that is **objectively demonstrated**. In plain terms, the affected knee shows measurable instability when a person stands or bears weight on it.

---

### Available Rating Level

Under Diagnostic Code 5263, the VA evaluates this condition at a single rating level:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **10%** | Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic), with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated |

---

### What the VA Looks For

When evaluating genu recurvatum under this diagnostic code, the VA focuses on whether the following elements are present:

- The condition is **acquired and traumatic** in origin (resulting from an injury).
- There is **weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing**.
- That weakness and insecurity is **objectively demonstrated** — supported by measurable clinical findings rather than reported symptoms alone.

---

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual evaluations depend on the specific medical evidence in each case.*

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