Claiming Ankle Condition / Ankle Injury?
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VA Rating Tiers
20%
marked limitation
10%
moderate limitation
0%
mild limitation
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›20%: Moderate ankle limitation — dorsiflexion limited to 10° or plantar flexion limited to 10°. DC 5271.
- ›10%: Mild ankle limitation — dorsiflexion limited to 15°, or chronic pain affecting daily activity. DC 5271.
- ›0%: Motion limitation below rating threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›Rated under DC 5271 (ankle, limited motion).
- ›Normal dorsiflexion is 20° (foot pulled up) and plantar flexion is 45° (foot pointed down).
- ›Marked limitation = dorsiflexion to 10° or less = 20% rating.
- ›Ankle instability (giving out) may be separately ratable under DC 5257 by analogy.
- ›Arthritis visible on X-ray may qualify for a 10–20% DC 5003 rating if motion-based rating is 0%.
- ›Actual rating depends on goniometer measurements taken at the C&P exam.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Ankle conditions are rated under DC 5271 based on limitation of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.
- •Normal ankle dorsiflexion is about 20° and plantar flexion is about 45°.
- •Ratings: marked limitation = 20%, moderate limitation = 10%, mild = 0%.
- •Chronic ankle instability (from repeated sprains) is separately ratable under DC 5257 (by analogy).
- •Both ankles may be claimed — each is rated separately.
- •X-rays showing arthritis in the ankle joint can also support a DC 5003 rating if motion-based rating is 0%.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call or treatment records documenting ankle sprains, fractures, or injury
- •X-ray records of the ankle taken during service
- •physical therapy records for ankle rehabilitation
- •injury or accident reports for falls, jumps, or trauma to the ankle
- •profile or limited duty documents due to ankle condition
Medical Evidence
- •orthopedic evaluation with range of motion measurements
- •X-ray of the ankle (shows arthritis, old fractures, structural changes)
- •MRI of the ankle (ligament tears, tendon damage, cartilage)
- •physical therapy records
- •surgical records if ankle surgery was performed
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing the in-service event (specific sprain, fall, jump, or training incident)
- •statement describing recurring ankle problems since service — repeated sprains, giving out, stiffness
- •buddy statement noting observed ankle injury or limitation during service
Diagnostic Tests
- •X-ray of the ankle (weight-bearing preferred)
- •MRI of the ankle (ligaments, tendons, cartilage)
- •goniometer range of motion measurement (dorsiflexion and plantar flexion)
- •stress X-ray or anterior drawer test (for instability)
- •CT scan of the ankle (for complex fractures or subtalar joint)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Orthopedic / Lower Extremity (Ankle)
Be ready to describe
- •the original in-service injury and how many times the ankle has been sprained or given out since
- •how far you can move the ankle (up/down) and what movement causes pain
- •whether the ankle gives out — how often and what triggers it
- •how the ankle limits your ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, or work
- •any bracing, orthotics, or other treatments you use
Prep notes
- •Move through the full range of motion honestly — stop when it genuinely hurts.
- •Describe your worst days and how the ankle behaves on bad days.
- •Mention how often the ankle gives out and what type of terrain or activity causes it.
- •Bring X-ray or MRI reports if you have them.
- •Bring your brace or ankle support — mention that you use it regularly.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5271
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Lower Extremity Joints
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 20%
Also Known As
ankle painankle injuryankle sprainankle fractureankle instabilitychronic ankle instabilityankle arthritisankle limited motionankle surgeryankle fusionperoneal tendon injuryankle ligament tearankle strainankle stiffnessmalleolus fractureLisfranc injurysubtalar arthritisankle joint pain
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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