★ Musculoskeletal
Achilles Tendonitis VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.71a (analogous; commonly DC 5271 or 5284)
Overview
Tendonitis is evaluated by functional impact rather than imaging findings alone.
Pain on motion, swelling, and inability to push off during gait are key documentation points.
Rupture or surgical repair changes the analysis and may be rated separately.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: documented in-service injury or chronic overuse.
- Secondary to flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or altered gait from another lower-extremity condition.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a (analogous; commonly DC 5271 or 5284)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate limitation of ankle motion (DC 5271) or moderate foot injury (DC 5284). |
| 20% | Marked limitation of ankle motion or moderately severe foot injury. |
| 30% | Severe foot injury (DC 5284). |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) confirming tendon pathology.
- Range-of-motion measurements.
- Treatment notes (PT, immobilization, injections, surgical repair).
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Achilles Tendonitis:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Achilles Tendonitis claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.