DC 5274Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71aLast verified: APR 22, 2026

Astragalectomy

The VA rates Astragalectomy under Diagnostic Code 5274 at a single 20% level. With a cap of 20%, most veterans pursue secondary conditions to increase their combined rating.

Also available: View rating schedule for DC 5274

Rating schedule — DC 5274 at a glance

Minimum rating
20%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
20%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
1

20%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Astragalectomy?

RatingCriteria
20%

Astragalectomy

Astragalectomy

Common Questions About Astragalectomy VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Astragalectomy?

The VA rates Astragalectomy under Diagnostic Code 5274 at 20%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Astragalectomy. The maximum 20% rating requires: Astragalectomy.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Astragalectomy?

The VA rates Astragalectomy under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5274, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Can Astragalectomy qualify for TDIU?

Astragalectomy 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 Astragalectomy?

The key evidence for Astragalectomy 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 Astragalectomy?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5274 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