What are the VA rating percentages for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (DC 5260) is rated at 10%, 20%, 30% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260. Slight impairment of the knee with painful motion, or compensable limitation of flexion or extension.

What rates 10% for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 (DC 5260), a 10% rating for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome requires: Slight impairment of the knee with painful motion, or compensable limitation of flexion or extension.

What happens during a C&P exam for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Q: What rates 20% for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 (DC 5260), a 20% rating for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome requires: Moderate impairment of the knee, with limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or extension limited to 15 degrees, or moderate recurrent subluxation/instability.

Q: What rates 30% for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 (DC 5260), a 30% rating for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome requires: Severe impairment of the knee, with limitation of flexion to 15 degrees or extension limited to 20 degrees, or severe recurrent subluxation/instability.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome VA claim?

Key evidence for a Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 5260 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 | 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5260 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5260 across 3 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 30%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

OVERVIEW

Chronic pain around and behind the kneecap from abnormal patella tracking, aggravated by stairs, squatting, and prolonged sitting

RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)

10%

Slight impairment of the knee with painful motion, or compensable limitation of flexion or extension.

20%

Moderate impairment of the knee, with limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or extension limited to 15 degrees, or moderate recurrent subluxation/instability.

30%

Severe impairment of the knee, with limitation of flexion to 15 degrees or extension limited to 20 degrees, or severe recurrent subluxation/instability.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

-Range of motion measurements

-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

-Buddy statements describing limitations

-Prescription history

-Physical therapy records

-Employment impact documentation

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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SOURCES & EDITORIAL

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

→ View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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