DC 5275Musculoskeletal38 CFR § 4.71aLast verified: APR 8, 2026

Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5275)

The VA rates Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of 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. Related conditions in the Musculoskeletal body system share this rating framework.

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
— 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5275 (30% tier)

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

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

The VA rates Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of under Diagnostic Code 5275 at the following tiers: 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.

What is Diagnostic Code 5275?

Diagnostic Code 5275 is the VA rating identifier for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening 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.

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

The highest schedular rating for Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of under DC 5275 is 40%. This tier requires: 3 to 3⁄inches (7.6 cms. to 8.9 cms.) 1 2. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening 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.

What 38 CFR section governs Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of ratings?

Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5275. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of?

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

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 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.

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