Tibia and fibula, impairment of
The VA rates Tibia and fibula, impairment of under Diagnostic Code 5262 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5262 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities |
| 10% | Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one or both lower extremities |
| 20% | Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one lower extremity |
| 30% | Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, both lower extremities |
| 40% | Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace |
“Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one lower extremity”
Common Questions About Tibia and fibula, impairment of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
The VA rates Tibia and fibula, impairment of under Diagnostic Code 5262 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities. The maximum 40% rating requires: Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
The VA rates Tibia and fibula, impairment of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5262, 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 0% and a 40% rating for Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
A 0% rating requires: Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities. A 40% rating requires: Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Tibia and fibula, impairment of qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Tibia and fibula, impairment of maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
The key evidence for Tibia and fibula, impairment of 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 Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5262 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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