Genu Recurvatum VA Rating (DC 5263)

Overview

The code has specific requirements: the hyperextension must be acquired and traumatic in origin, not congenital, and there must be objectively demonstrated weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing.

DC 5263 provides one evaluation level — 10%. There is no higher tier under this code.

Because the ceiling is low, the more consequential question is usually whether associated instability, motion loss, or arthritis supports evaluation under other knee codes as well.

Congenital hyperextension without superimposed injury is generally not compensable, though aggravation of a congenital defect by superimposed in-service injury is a recognized doctrine.

How to Establish Service Connection

• Direct: in-service knee hyperextension injury, ligament rupture, or fracture with documented treatment.
• Superimposed injury on a congenital condition, which is the route the regulation and VA General Counsel precedent address.
• Secondary under 38 CFR § 3.310: recurvatum developing from a service-connected ligamentous or neurological condition affecting the knee.

Rating Criteria

Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5263

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Evidence Checklist

• Examination findings measuring hyperextension in degrees.
• Documentation that the condition followed a specific injury rather than being lifelong.
• Gait analysis or physical-therapy notes describing insecurity in weight-bearing.
• Imaging or stress testing showing associated ligamentous laxity.

Common Secondary Conditions

Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Genu Recurvatum:

What the C&P Exam Documents

General information about how this condition is typically evaluated. This is not coaching on what to say and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.

• →The regulation asks for objectively demonstrated weakness and insecurity; an examination that records only the hyperextension angle leaves half the criteria unaddressed.
• →Whether the recurvatum is traumatic in origin is a factual question the record has to answer.

Frequently Asked Questions