VASRD 5271 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankle, Limitation of Motion VA Disability Rating

Reduced ability to flex or extend the ankle, usually due to injury or arthritis.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
20%Severe stiffness, almost no movement
10%Partial loss of motion

How the VA Evaluates Ankle, Limitation of Motion

Goniometer-based ROM tests during physical exam.

Approval rate

Moderate (~50%) when ROM is documented.

Annual service-connected

8,800 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Orthopedic exam showing ROM
  • X-rays or MRIs of ankle

Strategy Tips

  • Show difficulty with walking or climbing stairs
  • Include video or photo evidence if possible

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Not using goniometer
  • No repeat ROM testing

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Not showing severity of limitation
  • No ROM numbers listed

Onset Patterns

  • Post-injury, sprain, or arthritis-related degeneration

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ankle, Limitation of Motion. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Knee Pain

    Altered gait

  • Plantar Fasciitis

    Compensation strain on feet

Common questions about Ankle, Limitation of Motion

Is Ankle, Limitation of Motion a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankle, Limitation of Motion under VASRD diagnostic code 5271 (Musculoskeletal System). Reduced ability to flex or extend the ankle, usually due to injury or arthritis.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankle, Limitation of Motion?
Possible VA ratings for Ankle, Limitation of Motion are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20% — Severe stiffness, almost no movement; 10% — Partial loss of motion.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankle, Limitation of Motion?
The average awarded rating for Ankle, Limitation of Motion is 10%. Roughly 8,800 veterans are service-connected for Ankle, Limitation of Motion each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~50%) when ROM is documented..
What evidence helps prove Ankle, Limitation of Motion for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankle, Limitation of Motion claim includes: Orthopedic exam showing ROM; X-rays or MRIs of ankle.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankle, Limitation of Motion?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankle, Limitation of Motion: Not showing severity of limitation; No ROM numbers listed.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion include: Knee Pain, Plantar Fasciitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Ankle, Limitation of Motion combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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