Ankle, limited motion of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5271)

The VA rates Ankle, limited motion of under Diagnostic Code 5271 at the following tiers: 10%, 20%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Moderate (less than 15 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 30 degrees plantar flexion). The maximum 20% rating requires: Marked (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion).

Diagnostic Code 5271 is the VA rating identifier for Ankle, limited motion of within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Ankle, limited motion of under DC 5271 is 20%. This tier requires: Marked (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion). Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Ankle, limited motion of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Ankle, limited motion of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5271. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Ankle, limited motion of include: Knee Pain / Patellofemoral Syndrome (Gait Compensation), Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

Service connection for Ankle, limited motion of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.