EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Achilles Tendon Injury VA Disability Rating
DC 5284/5311 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a / 4.73 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Achilles tendon injuries (tendinitis, partial tears, complete ruptures) are rated by analogy under DC 5284 (other foot injuries) or DC 5311 (muscle group XI - posterior calf). Common in veterans from running, rucking, jump landings, and combat operations. The rating depends on severity of functional limitation and whether surgical repair was performed.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
30% — Severe foot injury or complete loss of function
Rate Achilles tendon conditions as foot injuries under DC 5284. Severe foot injury = 30%. Loss of use of the foot = 40% under the foot loss provision.
20% — Moderately severe foot injury with significant limitation
Moderately severe functional limitation from Achilles tendinopathy or tendon rupture/repair — significant gait impairment and functional limitation on examination.
10% — Moderate foot injury with pain and limitation
Moderate functional limitation — chronic pain, limited ankle dorsiflexion, antalgic gait. Rate under DC 5284 (foot injuries, other) at moderate level.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-MRI showing tendon tears, thickening, or degeneration
-Surgical records if Achilles repair was performed
-Physical therapy records documenting rehabilitation
-Service records showing running, rucking, or jump-related activities
-Documentation of calf weakness, limp, or inability to perform heel raises
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 5276/5284
Achilles dysfunction alters foot mechanics, stressing the plantar fascia.
DC 5256-5263
Altered gait from Achilles injury stresses the knee.
DC Various
Compensatory loading on the uninjured leg.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.If you had surgical repair, the scars are separately ratable.
2.Demonstrate functional limitation: inability to do heel raises, run, walk on uneven terrain.
3.If both Achilles tendons are affected, each is rated separately with bilateral factor.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DC 5284 (Foot injuries, other)
Achilles tendon conditions rate under DC 5284 (foot injuries, other): Severe = 30%, Moderately severe = 20%, Moderate = 10%. With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40%. Also consider DC 5271 (ankle limitation) if ankle ROM is limited by Achilles condition — use whichever code is higher.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Achilles injury at 20% pays $345.78/mo. Bilateral with plantar fasciitis, knee, and back secondaries can build to 50-60% combined.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026