If you’re a veteran dealing with a knee, elbow, or other joint injury, you’ve probably come across the terms “flexion” and “extension” in your medical records. These aren’t just complicated medical jargon; they are two of the most important words in your VA disability claim.
In fact, according to the VA’s own data, “limitation of flexion, knee” is the second most common service-connected disability that veterans receive compensation for.
Understanding what flexion and extension mean is the first step to understanding how the VA will rate your condition.
Flexion vs. Extension
Let’s break this down as simply as possible. These two terms describe the two basic movements of your joints.
- Flexion is BENDING. Think of the motion of bending your knee to sit in a chair or bending your elbow to lift a glass of water. When you make a fist, you are flexing your fingers. Flexion decreases the angle of a joint.
- Extension is STRAIGHTENING. This is the opposite movement. When you stand up from a chair, you extend your knee. When you reach for something on a high shelf, you extend your elbow. Extension increases the angle of a joint, moving it back to a neutral position.
That’s it. Flexion is bending, and extension is straightening. Knowing this difference is essential because the VA relies on it to measure the severity of your injury.
Why These Movements Determine Your VA Rating
The VA rates almost all joint conditions based on your Range of Motion (ROM). During your Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, the examiner’s primary job is to measure exactly how far you can move your injured joint.
The two key measurements they will take are your limits of flexion and extension. The less you are able to bend or straighten your joint, the more function you have lost, and therefore, the higher your disability rating should be.
How the VA Rates Knee Flexion and Extension
Let’s use the knee as an example, since it is the most commonly claimed joint condition. The VA has a specific rating schedule based on the degrees of movement you have lost.
An examiner will use a tool called a goniometer to get a precise measurement of your range of motion.
Limitation of Flexion (Bending) – Diagnostic Code 5260
This rating is based on how far you can bend your knee inward toward your body.
- 30%: flexion limited to 30°
- 20%: flexion limited to 45°
- 10%: flexion limited to 60°
- 0%: flexion limited to 90°
Limitation of Extension (Straightening) – Diagnostic Code 5261
This rating is based on your ability to straighten your leg. A lack of extension means your knee is stuck in a bent position.
- 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°
What to Expect at Your C&P Exam
During your C&P exam for a joint condition, the examiner will physically move your joint to find its limits. They will measure both your active range of motion (how far you can move it yourself) and your passive range of motion (how far they can move it for you).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not push yourself past the point of pain. The measurement should stop when painful motion begins. If you can force your knee to bend to 45 degrees, but it causes severe pain, your functional range of motion is less than that. Be sure to tell the examiner when the pain starts.
Take Control of Your Claim
Understanding the language the VA uses is a crucial part of taking control of your disability claim. Flexion and extension aren’t just words on a medical chart; these measurements determine the outcome of your case.
If the VA has denied your claim for a knee condition or any other joint injury, don’t give up. The team at Cameron Firm, PC, is here to help you get the benefits you’ve earned. Contact us today for a free consultation.
