Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5261

Limited ability to straighten the knee. The VA rates this based on how far you can extend (straighten) your knee. Normal extension is 0 degrees (fully straight).

Rating Levels

Your knee extension is limited to 45 degrees. This is the maximum rating for limitation of extension.

What the VA looks for

Extension limited to 45 degrees
Severe limitation preventing normal gait

Common Pitfalls

⚠Same as knee flexion — extension and flexion can be rated separately under DC 5260 and 5261.
⚠Not documenting that the knee cannot fully straighten — even a few degrees of limitation counts.
⚠Not filing for instability separately under DC 5257.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Knee and Lower Leg Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…