VA Claim Pilot
Sign inGet Started Free
🦴 MusculoskeletalLower Extremity JointsDC 5260

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / Runner's Knee

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is pain around or behind the kneecap caused by abnormal pressure or tracking of the patella against the femur. One of the most common overuse injuries in military service from running, ruck marching, and repetitive knee bending under load. Rated under DC 5260 (knee, limitation of flexion of) based on how far the knee bends, or by analogy based on functional loss and pain.

Claiming Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / Runner's Knee?

Create a free account to organize your evidence and download your conditions summary.

Start Free →

VA Rating Tiers

30%
severe limitation
20%
marked limitation
10%
moderate limitation
0%
mild limitation
0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • ›30%: Severe limitation — knee flexion limited to 15° or less, or severe instability significantly limiting ambulation. DC 5260.
  • ›20%: Moderate limitation — knee flexion limited to 30°. DC 5260.
  • ›10%: Mild limitation — knee flexion limited to 45°. DC 5260.
  • ›0%: Motion limitation below rating threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
  • ›Rated under DC 5260 (knee, limitation of flexion of).
  • ›DC 5260 tiers: 30% = 15° flexion; 20% = 30°; 10% = 45°; 0% = 60°.
  • ›Painful motion under 38 CFR 4.59 can yield a higher rating if pain causes functional loss beyond measured ROM.
  • ›Both knees are rated separately if both are affected.
  • ›If extension is also limited, compare DC 5261 and use the higher — do not combine for the same knee.
  • ›Actual rating depends on goniometer measurements taken at the C&P exam.

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •Patellofemoral pain syndrome is rated under DC 5260 (knee, limitation of flexion of).
  • •DC 5260 rating tiers: 30% (flexion limited to 15°), 20% (limited to 30°), 10% (limited to 45°), 0% (limited to 60°).
  • •If flexion is relatively preserved but extension is the main deficit, compare DC 5261 and use the higher rating.
  • •Both knees may be claimed — each is rated separately.
  • •Chondromalacia patella (cartilage damage) confirmed on MRI may support higher ratings based on functional loss.
  • •Painful motion under 38 CFR 4.59 may yield a higher rating than degrees alone if pain significantly limits function.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •sick call or treatment records documenting knee pain, patellofemoral syndrome, or chondromalacia during service
  • •physical therapy records for knee rehabilitation during service
  • •profile or limited duty documents due to anterior knee pain
  • •injury or accident reports involving the knee
  • •records of running mileage, PT requirements, or ruck march schedules that aggravated the knee

Medical Evidence

  • •orthopedic evaluation with knee range of motion measurements and patellar tracking assessment
  • •MRI of the knee (chondromalacia patella, cartilage damage, patellar tracking)
  • •X-ray of the knee (sunrise view — patellar alignment and arthritic changes)
  • •physical therapy records documenting knee strength and function deficits
  • •nexus letter linking PFPS to service running and physical training demands

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •statement describing the running, ruck march, or training demands during service that caused knee pain
  • •statement describing persistent anterior knee pain since service — especially with stairs, squatting, and sitting
  • •buddy statement noting observed knee pain or duty limitations during service

Diagnostic Tests

  • •Clarke's sign (patellar grind test for chondromalacia)
  • •patellar tilt and glide assessment
  • •MRI of the knee (patellar cartilage, subchondral bone, alignment)
  • •X-ray of the knee (sunrise view — patellar alignment; weight-bearing for joint space)
  • •goniometer range of motion measurement (flexion and extension)

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Orthopedic / Lower Extremity (Knee — Patellofemoral)

Be ready to describe

  • •the running and training demands during service that caused or aggravated the knee
  • •how far you can bend the knee and what movements are most painful
  • •pain on stairs, with squatting, and after prolonged sitting
  • •how the knee limits your ability to work, exercise, and perform daily tasks

Prep notes

  • •Move through the full range of motion honestly — stop when it genuinely hurts.
  • •Describe your worst days — pain after running, stair climbing, or prolonged sitting.
  • •Mention if stairs are painful in both directions (up and down).
  • •Bring MRI or X-ray reports if you have them.
  • •Mention if you use a knee sleeve, patellar brace, or tape.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 5260
Category
Musculoskeletal
Subcategory
Lower Extremity Joints
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 30%

Also Known As

patellofemoral pain syndromerunner's kneePFPSanterior knee painpatella painkneecap painchondromalacia patellachondromalaciapatella tracking disorderpatellar maltrackingknee cap painfront of knee painknee pain runningknee pain stairsperipatellar painretropatellar painrunner knee military

Related Conditions

Secondary to

lower back painflat feet
📋

Organize your claim

Add Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / Runner's Knee to your claim and answer guided questions to build your evidence package.

Get Started Free
Back to all conditions