Ankle, ankylosis of
The VA rates Ankle, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5270 across 4 severity levels, from 20% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Ankle, ankylosis of.
Rating schedule — DC 5270 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
20%, 30%, 40%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Ankle, ankylosis of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | In plantar flexion, less than 30° Note: Plantigrade = foot at 90 degrees to leg, which allows some functional ambulation. |
| 30% | In plantar flexion, between 30° and 40°, or in dorsiflexion, between 0° and 10° |
| 40% | In plantar flexion at more than 40°, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10° or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity |
| 50% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the ankle joint: In plantar flexion, more than 30 degrees, or in combination with marked inversion or eversion deformity. |
“In plantar flexion at more than 40°, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10° or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Ankle, ankylosis of?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Ankle, ankylosis of
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Ankle, ankylosis of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Ankle, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Ankle, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5270 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 20% rating requires: In plantar flexion, less than 30°. The maximum 50% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the ankle joint: In plantar flexion, more than 30 degrees, or in combination with marked inversion or eversion deformity..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Ankle, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Ankle, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5270, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 20% and a 50% rating for Ankle, ankylosis of?
A 20% rating requires: In plantar flexion, less than 30°. A 50% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the ankle joint: In plantar flexion, more than 30 degrees, or in combination with marked inversion or eversion deformity.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Ankle, ankylosis of qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Ankle, ankylosis of maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Ankle, ankylosis of?
The key evidence for Ankle, ankylosis of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Ankle, ankylosis of?
Ankle, ankylosis of is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Ankle, ankylosis of?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5270 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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