Ankle, ankylosis of
Ankle, ankylosis of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5270, from 20% to 50% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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.. Most claims establish the 20% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 5270 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 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?
In plantar flexion, less than 30°
Note: Plantigrade = foot at 90 degrees to leg, which allows some functional ambulation.
In plantar flexion, between 30° and 40°, or in dorsiflexion, between 0° and 10°
In plantar flexion at more than 40°, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10° or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Ankle, ankylosis of may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Ankle, ankylosis of?
Service connection for Ankle, ankylosis of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
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 is the C&P exam like for Ankle, ankylosis of?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Ankle, ankylosis of uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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