Limited ankle motion
The VA rates Limited ankle motion under Diagnostic Code 5271 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 20%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together. There are 2 documented secondary conditions linked to Limited ankle motion.
Catalog name: Ankle, limited motion of.
These criteria were reviewed against the 2025 annual CFR, § 4.71a on 2026-09-08.
Rating schedule · DC 5271 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 2
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%
Where this code is published
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Limited ankle motion?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate (less than 15 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 30 degrees plantar flexion). |
| 20% | Marked (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion). |
“Marked (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion).”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Limited ankle motion?
View 2 secondary conditions linked to Limited ankle motion
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips, rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Limited ankle motion in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5261Leg, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5262Tibia and fibula, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5263Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)Rated up to 10%
- 5269Plantar fasciitisRated up to 30%
- 5270Ankle, ankylosis ofRated up to 40%
- 5272Subastragalar or tarsal joint, ankylosis ofRated up to 20%
- 5273Os calcis or astragalus, malunion ofRated up to 20%
- 5274AstragalectomyRated up to 20%
- 5275Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening ofRated up to 40%
- 5276Flatfoot, acquiredRated up to 50%
What to do with a Limited ankle motion rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- VA Secondary Conditions Explained: Causation vs AggravationA service-connected condition can cause or worsen other conditions. Learn how 38 CFR 3.310 secondary service connection works: causation versus aggravation.
Common Questions About Limited ankle motion VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Limited ankle motion?
The VA rates Limited ankle motion under Diagnostic Code 5271 at 10%, 20%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Moderate (less than 15 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 30 degrees plantar flexion).. The maximum 20% rating requires: Marked (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion)..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Limited ankle motion?
The VA rates Limited ankle motion under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5271, published in 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 10% and a 20% rating for Limited ankle motion?
A 10% rating requires: Moderate (less than 15 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 30 degrees plantar flexion).. A 20% rating requires: Marked (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion).. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Limited ankle motion qualify for TDIU?
Limited ankle motion maxes at 20%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Limited ankle motion?
The key evidence for Limited ankle motion 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 Limited ankle motion?
Limited ankle motion is associated with 2 documented secondary conditions. 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 Limited ankle motion?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5271 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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