What happens during a C&P exam for Gait Abnormality?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

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Gait Abnormality

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Gait Abnormality?

Gait Abnormality (DC 5299) is rated at 0%, 10%, 20% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299. Noncompensable limitation of motion of the affected joint confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion.

Q: What rates 0% for Gait Abnormality under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 0% rating for Gait Abnormality requires: Noncompensable limitation of motion of the affected joint confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion.

Q: What rates 10% for Gait Abnormality under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 10% rating for Gait Abnormality requires: Limitation of motion of the affected joint that is compensable under the applicable diagnostic code, or painful motion with periarticular pathology productive of disability.

Q: What rates 20% for Gait Abnormality under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 (DC 5299), a 20% rating for Gait Abnormality requires: Moderate limitation of motion of the affected joint with functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Gait Abnormality VA claim?

Key evidence for a Gait Abnormality claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 5299 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 | 

Gait Abnormality is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5299 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 across 3 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 20%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

OVERVIEW

Abnormal walking pattern (antalgic, lurching, or shuffling gait) resulting from musculoskeletal pain or structural deformity

RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)

Noncompensable limitation of motion of the affected joint confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion.

10%

Limitation of motion of the affected joint that is compensable under the applicable diagnostic code, or painful motion with periarticular pathology productive of disability.

20%

Moderate limitation of motion of the affected joint with functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

-Range of motion measurements

-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

-Buddy statements describing limitations

-Prescription history

-Physical therapy records

-Employment impact documentation

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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SOURCES & EDITORIAL

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

→ View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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