Heel or ankle bone malunion
The VA rates Heel or ankle bone malunion under Diagnostic Code 5273 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.
Catalog name: Os calcis or astragalus, malunion of.
Rating schedule — DC 5273 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Heel or ankle bone malunion?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate deformity |
| 20% | Marked deformity |
“Marked deformity”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Heel or ankle bone malunion 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.
- 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%
- 5271Ankle, limited motion ofRated up to 20%
- 5272Subastragalar or tarsal joint, ankylosis ofRated up to 20%
- 5274AstragalectomyRated up to 20%
- 5275Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening ofRated up to 40%
- 5276Flatfoot, acquiredRated up to 50%
- 5277Weak foot, bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5278Claw foot (pes cavus), acquiredRated up to 50%
Common Questions About Heel or ankle bone malunion VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Heel or ankle bone malunion?
The VA rates Heel or ankle bone malunion under Diagnostic Code 5273 at 10%, 20%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Moderate deformity. The maximum 20% rating requires: Marked deformity.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Heel or ankle bone malunion?
The VA rates Heel or ankle bone malunion under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5273, 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 20% rating for Heel or ankle bone malunion?
A 10% rating requires: Moderate deformity. A 20% rating requires: Marked 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 Heel or ankle bone malunion qualify for TDIU?
Heel or ankle bone malunion 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 Heel or ankle bone malunion?
The key evidence for Heel or ankle bone malunion 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 Heel or ankle bone malunion?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5273 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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