DC 5056Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71a

Ankle replacement (prosthesis).

The VA rates Ankle replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code 5056 across 3 severity levels, from 20% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 5056 at a glance

Minimum rating
20%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
3

20%, 40%, 100%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Ankle replacement (prosthesis).?

RatingCriteria
20%

Minimum rating

40%

With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness

100%

For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis

With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness

Common Questions About Ankle replacement (prosthesis). VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Ankle replacement (prosthesis).?

The VA rates Ankle replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code 5056 at 20%, 40%, 100%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Minimum rating. The maximum 100% rating requires: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Ankle replacement (prosthesis).?

The VA rates Ankle replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5056, 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 100% rating for Ankle replacement (prosthesis).?

A 20% rating requires: Minimum rating. A 100% rating requires: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis. 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 replacement (prosthesis). qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Ankle replacement (prosthesis). alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Ankle replacement (prosthesis).?

The key evidence for Ankle replacement (prosthesis). 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.

What happens at the C&P exam for Ankle replacement (prosthesis).?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5056 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.

Get a Personalized Rating Analysis

VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.

Discover Your Benefits