VA Disability Rating for Ankle Conditions: Complete Guide to Getting Your Claim Approved

Bottom Line Up Front

Ankle conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5270-5274 with ratings from 0% to 40% depending on the type and severity of impairment. Most veterans receive 10-20% for limitation of motion. Ankle sprains, fractures, and instability from military service are common claims. Each ankle is rated separately, so bilateral ankle problems can significantly increase your combined rating. The key is documenting range of motion limitations and instability symptoms. Claims typically take 3-6 months.

What Are Ankle Conditions and How Does Military Service Cause Them?

Ankle conditions include injuries and degenerative changes affecting the ankle joint, ligaments, and surrounding structures.

Common ankle conditions:

• Ankle sprains (ligament injuries)
• Ankle fractures
• Chronic ankle instability
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinitis (peroneal, Achilles)
• Osteochondral lesions

Military causes:

• Terrain: Running on uneven ground, fields, desert
• Airborne operations: Landing impacts
• Training: Obstacle courses, field exercises
• Direct trauma: Falls, vehicle accidents, combat
• Heavy loads: Rucking destabilizes ankles
• Footwear: Boots provide limited ankle support

VA Rating Criteria

DC 5270 - Ankylosis of Ankle

Rating	Criteria
20%	In plantar flexion less than 30°
30%	In plantar flexion between 30° and 40°, or in dorsiflexion between 0° and 10°
40%	In plantar flexion at more than 40°, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10°, or with abduction, adduction, inversion, or eversion deformity

DC 5271 - Limited Motion of Ankle

Rating	Criteria
10%	Moderate limitation of motion
20%	Marked limitation of motion

Normal ankle motion:

• Dorsiflexion: 0-20°
• Plantar flexion: 0-45°

DC 5272 - Ankylosis of Subtaloid or Tarsal Joint

Rating	Criteria
10%	In good weight-bearing position
20%	In poor weight-bearing position

DC 5273 - Malunion of Os Calcis or Astragalus

Rating	Criteria
10%	Moderate deformity
20%	Marked deformity

DC 5274 - Astragalectomy

Rating	Criteria
20%	Flat rate for ankle bone removal

Key Points

• Each ankle rated separately
• Can have ROM rating AND instability rating for same ankle
• Painful motion supports at least 10% with arthritis

Evidence You Need

Service Connection Evidence

• Service treatment records showing ankle injuries
• Line of duty determinations
• Physical profiles
• Imaging from service

Current Diagnosis Evidence

• Orthopedic evaluation
• X-ray showing arthritis or deformity
• MRI showing ligament damage
• Physical examination findings

Severity Evidence

• Range of motion measurements
• Documentation of instability
• Use of braces
• Treatment records

C&P Exam: What to Expect

The examiner will:

1. Measure range of motion (dorsiflexion and plantar flexion)
2. Test for instability
3. Assess for pain on movement
4. Check for swelling
5. Test repetitive motion

What to tell them:

• Describe instability (giving way, rolling)
• Report where pain begins
• Mention use of braces
• Describe functional limitations

Secondary Conditions

From ankle conditions:

• Knee problems (altered gait)
• Hip problems (compensation)
• Back pain (gait changes)
• Opposite ankle (overcompensation)

Ankle conditions secondary to:

• Knee problems
• Back/hip conditions
• Obesity

Personal Statement Template

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Personal Statement for Ankle Condition

I, [Full Name], submit this statement for [left/right/bilateral] ankle condition.

In-Service Injury: [Describe injury event(s) during service]

Current Symptoms:

• Pain: [location, severity, frequency]
• Instability: [giving way, rolling—how often]
• Limitation: [what you can't do]
• Swelling: [when, how often]

Functional Impact:

• Walking: [distance before pain]
• Standing: [duration before pain]
• Stairs: [difficulty]
• Work: [limitations]

Treatment:

• Brace use: [type, frequency]
• Medications: [list]
• Other treatments: [list]

I certify these statements are true.

[Signature] [Date]

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Resources

VA Forms:

• DBQ Ankle
• VA Form 21-526EZ

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This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.

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Sources: VA Disability Compensation, 38 CFR Part 4, Veterans Benefits Administration