★ Musculoskeletal
Ankle Conditions VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5271
Overview
Most ankle ratings come down to whether the limitation of motion is 'moderate' (10%) or 'marked' (20%).
Chronic instability from repeated sprains is common and well-documented in service treatment records.
In Depth
Ankle disabilities are most often evaluated under DC 5271 (limited motion of the ankle) in 38 CFR § 4.71a. Effective February 7, 2021, VA amended the musculoskeletal schedule to express DC 5271 in measured degrees of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, replacing the earlier 'moderate' and 'marked' descriptors. Claims decided before and after that date may reference different criteria.
Related codes cover distinct pathology: DC 5270 addresses ankylosis of the ankle, DC 5272 ankylosis of the subastragalar or tarsal joint, DC 5273 malunion of the os calcis or astragalus, and DC 5274 astragalectomy. The regulation defines normal ankle dorsiflexion as 0 to 20 degrees and plantar flexion as 0 to 45 degrees.
Ankle instability distinct from limitation of motion, and scars from ankle surgery under 38 CFR § 4.118, are evaluated on their own terms where the findings support it, subject to the anti-pyramiding rule at § 4.14.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: in-service ankle sprains, fractures, or chronic instability.
- Secondary: ankle problems from altered gait due to knee or foot conditions.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5271
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate limitation of ankle motion (DC 5271). |
| 20% | Marked limitation of motion. |
| 20%–40% | Ankylosis of the ankle (DC 5270): 20% favorable, up to 40% in extreme positions. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Ankle Range of Motion Chart
38 CFR § 4.71, Plate II · rated under DCs 5270–5274
| Movement | Normal range | Where it becomes compensable |
|---|---|---|
| Dorsiflexion | 0° to 20° | 10% for moderate limited motion; 20% for marked limited motion (DC 5271) |
| Plantar flexion | 0° to 45° | 10% for moderate limited motion; 20% for marked limited motion (DC 5271) |
- The 2021 musculoskeletal revisions define 'marked' limitation as less than 5° dorsiflexion or less than 10° plantar flexion, and 'moderate' as less than 15° dorsiflexion or less than 30° plantar flexion.
- Ankle ankylosis (DC 5270) ranges from 20% to 40% depending on the fixed angle.
- Measurements are taken with a goniometer, both actively and passively, and VA must consider additional loss of function from pain, weakness, fatigability, and incoordination (38 CFR §§ 4.40 and 4.45, DeLuca v. Brown).
- If flare-ups reduce motion below the measured range, the examiner is expected to estimate that additional loss — describe frequency, duration, and severity of flare-ups at the exam (Sharp v. Shulkin).
Evidence Checklist
- X-rays and MRI.
- Range-of-motion testing.
- Documentation of recurrent sprains.
Evidence Templates
Common formats of evidence the VA looks for in this type of claim. These describe what the documents typically include — they are not legal forms or medical opinions, and Oakridge Claims does not draft them.
Range-of-motion measurements (goniometer findings)
Treatment notes or examination reports recording measured motion in degrees. 38 CFR § 4.59 and the Correia v. McDonald framework contemplate testing in active motion, passive motion, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing where applicable.
Imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, CT)
Radiology reports identifying the underlying pathology. Several diagnostic codes in 38 CFR § 4.71a require X-ray confirmation of arthritis before a compensable evaluation applies.
Treatment records showing flare-up frequency
Contemporaneous clinical notes documenting when the condition worsens, how long it lasts, and any prescribed rest, bracing, or activity restriction. DeLuca v. Brown addresses functional loss during flare-ups.
Evidence VA Commonly Cites in These Claims
Descriptive summary of evidence types frequently referenced in rating decisions for this condition. Not a checklist of actions to take — every claim is decided on its own facts.
- ★Records should reflect dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in degrees, which is how the amended DC 5271 is written.
- ★Documentation of instability episodes, bracing, or prescribed assistive devices addresses functional loss under § 4.40 and § 4.45.
- ★Where ankle symptoms are attributed by a clinician to an altered gait from a service-connected knee, hip, or back condition, § 3.310 addresses secondary service connection.
- ★Post-surgical operative reports and any resulting scar measurements support evaluation under the applicable codes.
Common pitfalls VA sees
- Relying on criteria from the pre-2021 version of DC 5271 when the claim is decided under the amended degree-based text.
- Documenting pain without measured dorsiflexion and plantar flexion figures.
- Overlooking § 4.59, which addresses the minimum compensable evaluation for painful motion of a joint.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Ankle Conditions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Ankle Conditions claim or denial?
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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.