Tibia and fibula, impairment of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5262)
The VA rates Tibia and fibula, impairment of under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5262, from 0% to 40% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 40% rating requires Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace. Related conditions in the Musculoskeletal body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities
Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one or both lower extremities
Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one lower extremity
Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, both lower extremities
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”
How does the VA rate Musculoskeletal conditions?
Common Questions About Tibia and fibula, impairment of VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
The VA rates Tibia and fibula, impairment of under Diagnostic Code 5262 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 5262?
Diagnostic Code 5262 is the VA rating identifier for Tibia and fibula, impairment 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 Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
The highest schedular rating for Tibia and fibula, impairment of under DC 5262 is 40%. This tier requires: Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Tibia and fibula, impairment 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 Tibia and fibula, impairment of ratings?
Tibia and fibula, impairment of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5262. 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 Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Tibia and fibula, impairment 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 Tibia and fibula, impairment of?
Service connection for Tibia and fibula, impairment 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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