United States · VA disability · 38 CFR 4.71a
VA diagnostic code 5261: limitation of extension of the leg (knee extension).
Rating criteria for diagnostic code 5261, quoted from the regulation.
DC 5261 (limitation of extension of the leg) has six levels in 38 CFR 4.71a, from 0 percent for extension limited to 5 degrees up to 50 percent for extension limited to 45 degrees.
The short version
DC 5261 (limitation of extension of the leg) has six levels in 38 CFR 4.71a, from 0 percent for extension limited to 5 degrees up to 50 percent for extension limited to 45 degrees.
DC 5261 rating criteria
DC 5261 reads "Leg, limitation of extension of" in the knee and leg section of 38 CFR 4.71a, and the rating depends on the degree to which extension is limited.
DC 5261 rating levels
| Limitation (quoted from the regulation) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Extension limited to 45° | 50% |
| Extension limited to 30° | 40% |
| Extension limited to 20° | 30% |
| Extension limited to 15° | 20% |
| Extension limited to 10° | 10% |
| Extension limited to 5° | 0% |
How to read DC 5261
The number in each row is the degree to which extension is limited, so a larger number of degrees means a higher rating, the opposite direction from DC 5260 (flexion). The regulation text gives the measurement and the percentage and nothing more; this page does not reproduce VA's separate rules on measuring joints or painful motion.
DC 5261 sits directly after DC 5260 (limitation of flexion of the leg). They rate different movements of the same knee and each has its own table.
What this page does not do
It does not diagnose, pick a diagnostic code, estimate your rating or advise on a claim. Every rating decision depends on the medical evidence and on VA’s application of the full schedule, including provisions this page does not reproduce.
Frequently asked questions
What is DC 5261?
Leg, limitation of extension of, in the knee and leg section of 38 CFR 4.71a.
What ratings are available?
0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 percent.
What extension limit gives 10 percent?
Extension limited to 10 degrees.
What extension limit gives the highest rating?
Extension limited to 45 degrees, which is 50 percent.
Is knee flexion rated under the same code?
No. Limitation of flexion is DC 5260, a separate code with its own levels.
Does this page say what rating I should get?
No. It reproduces the published criteria. VA decides the diagnosis and the rating, and this page is not medical or claim advice.
Sources
Read directly from the primary sources below on November 2, 2026 (eCFR text current through October 29, 2026). Quotations are the regulation text; anything labelled as a reading is TNAADO's. The schedule is amended from time to time, so check the linked section for the latest text.
Reference, not a VA determination, medical advice or claim advice
Rating criteria summarized from 38 CFR 4.71a as of October 29, 2026 (eCFR). This page reproduces published criteria so you can read them; it does not tell you whether you qualify, what your rating should be, or how to file. VA decides the diagnosis, the code and the rating. It is not legal, financial or medical advice; an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent) can review your case.