Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint
The VA rates Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint under Diagnostic Code 5272 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: Subastragalar or tarsal joint, ankylosis of.
Rating schedule — DC 5272 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%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | In good weight-bearing position |
| 20% | In poor weight-bearing position |
“In poor weight-bearing position”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint 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.
- 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%
- 5271Ankle, limited motion 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%
- 5277Weak foot, bilateralRated up to 10%
What to do with a Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
Calculate
On this site
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.
Common Questions About Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint?
The VA rates Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint under Diagnostic Code 5272 at 10%, 20%. The minimum 10% rating requires: In good weight-bearing position. The maximum 20% rating requires: In poor weight-bearing position.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint?
The VA rates Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5272, 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 Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint?
A 10% rating requires: In good weight-bearing position. A 20% rating requires: In poor weight-bearing position. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint qualify for TDIU?
Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint 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 Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint?
The key evidence for Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint 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 Ankylosis of the subtalar or tarsal joint?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5272 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