VASRD 5040 · Musculoskeletal

Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus VA Disability Rating

A fracture of the heel or ankle bone that may cause long-term mobility issues.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Broken heel bone still causes serious pain or movement problems.
10%Old heel bone fracture still aches sometimes.

How the VA Evaluates Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus

Imaging of fracture site and ankle joint, gait analysis, and orthopedic documentation of range-of-motion issues.

Approval rate

Moderate – highly dependent on weight-bearing impact and ankle function.

Annual service-connected

1,100 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-rays showing fracture or healing status
  • •Ankle range-of-motion testing
  • •Foot and ankle orthopedic notes

Strategy Tips

  • •Document ankle stiffness or pain with movement
  • •Provide gait and mobility evaluations

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not specifying talus vs calcaneus location
  • •Omitting impact on gait or mobility

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Omitting weight-bearing test results
  • •Lack of post-injury rehabilitation documentation

Onset Patterns

  • •Results from high-impact falls or trauma
  • •Often associated with ankle instability

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Achilles Tendonitis

    Altered heel alignment places stress on tendon

Common questions about Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus

Is Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus under VASRD diagnostic code 5040 (Musculoskeletal). A fracture of the heel or ankle bone that may cause long-term mobility issues.
What VA disability rating can I get for Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus?
Possible VA ratings for Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus are 30%, 10%. Examples: 30% — Broken heel bone still causes serious pain or movement problems.; 10% — Old heel bone fracture still aches sometimes..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus?
The average awarded rating for Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus is 20%. Roughly 1,100 veterans are service-connected for Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – highly dependent on weight-bearing impact and ankle function..
What evidence helps prove Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus claim includes: X-rays showing fracture or healing status; Ankle range-of-motion testing; Foot and ankle orthopedic notes.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus?
Common pitfalls when filing for Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus: Omitting weight-bearing test results; Lack of post-injury rehabilitation documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus include: Achilles Tendonitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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