DC 5275Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71aLast verified: APR 22, 2026

Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of

Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5275, from 10% to 40% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 40% rating requires: 3 to 3⁄inches (7.6 cms. to 8.9 cms.) 1 2. Most claims establish the 10% or 20% rating before reaching the top tier.

Rating schedule — DC 5275 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
40%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

10%, 20%, 30%, 40%

CFR section
38 CFR § 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of?

10%Disability Rating

1⁄to 2 inches (3.2 cms. to 5.1 cms.) 1 4

20%Disability Rating

2 to 2⁄inches (5.1 cms. to 6.4 cms.) 1 2

30%Disability Rating

2⁄to 3 inches (6.4 cms. to 7.6 cms.) 1 2

40%Disability Rating

3 to 3⁄inches (7.6 cms. to 8.9 cms.) 1 2

2⁄to 3 inches (6.4 cms. to 7.6 cms.) 1 2

Common Questions About Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of?

The VA rates Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of under Diagnostic Code 5275 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 10% rating requires: 1⁄to 2 inches (3.2 cms. to 5.1 cms.) 1 4. The maximum 40% rating requires: 3 to 3⁄inches (7.6 cms. to 8.9 cms.) 1 2.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of?

The VA rates Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5275, 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 10% and a 40% rating for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of?

A 10% rating requires: 1⁄to 2 inches (3.2 cms. to 5.1 cms.) 1 4. A 40% rating requires: 3 to 3⁄inches (7.6 cms. to 8.9 cms.) 1 2. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

Veterans rated for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening 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 Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of?

Service connection for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening 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.

What is the C&P exam like for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening 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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