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Ankle VA Disability Rating
DC 5270-5274 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Ankle conditions are rated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a based on limitation of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Common ankle disabilities include degenerative joint disease, chronic sprains, post-fracture arthritis, and Achilles tendon injuries. Normal ankle ROM is 0-20 degrees dorsiflexion and 0-45 degrees plantar flexion. Bilateral ankle conditions qualify for the bilateral factor.
RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)
20% — Marked limited motion
Marked limitation of ankle motion: less than 5 degrees of dorsiflexion OR less than 10 degrees of plantar flexion. Rate under DC 5271.
10% — Moderate limited motion
Moderate limitation of ankle motion: less than 15 degrees of dorsiflexion OR less than 30 degrees of plantar flexion. Rate under DC 5271.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-X-rays showing arthritis, bone spurs, or post-fracture changes
-Service records documenting ankle sprains, fractures, or parachute landing injuries
-Physical therapy records showing ongoing treatment
-Documentation of instability, use of ankle brace, or recurrent sprains
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
Knee Condition (Secondary)MODERATE
DC 5003/5257
Altered gait from ankle condition stresses the knee joint.
Plantar FasciitisMODERATE
DC 5276
Ankle dysfunction alters foot mechanics leading to plantar fascia inflammation.
Lumbar Spine (Secondary)MODERATE
DC 5237-5243
Chronic limp from ankle condition causes spinal compensatory stress.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Ankle ROM is measured in dorsiflexion (pulling foot up) and plantar flexion (pushing foot down).
2.Report instability and use of any assistive device (ankle brace, boot).
3.Document impact on walking, running, standing, and using stairs.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DC 5271 (Ankle, limited motion); DeLuca v. Brown, 8 Vet. App. 202 (1995)
Ankle rates on dorsiflexion and plantar flexion ROM. Marked = <5 dorsiflexion or <10 plantar flexion = 20%. Moderate = <15 dorsiflexion or <30 plantar flexion = 10%. DeLuca requires consideration of functional loss due to pain. Bilateral factor applies if both ankles involved.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Bilateral ankle conditions at 10% each with bilateral factor adds approximately $380+/mo. Ankle conditions often serve as the gateway to secondary knee and back claims.
RELATED CONDITION GUIDES
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026