VASRD 5262 · Musculoskeletal System – Leg

Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) VA Disability Rating

Poor healing of the lower leg bones affects how your leg functions, especially the knee or ankle.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%Tibia or fibula didn’t heal right—need a brace to walk.
30%Poor bone healing has severely affected your leg movement.
20%Leg bone healed wrong—moderate mobility problems.
10%Bone not aligned right—slight walking issues.

How the VA Evaluates Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion)

Orthopedic imaging (X-ray/CT) showing fracture healing issues, brace use, and gait assessment.

Approval rate

Moderate – stronger with assistive devices and gait problems.

Annual service-connected

12,900 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Orthopedic imaging of tibia/fibula
  • •Gait and brace use documentation
  • •C&P exam noting mobility deficits

Strategy Tips

  • •Use X-rays showing healing issues
  • •Describe how brace or instability affects life
  • •Include PT reports or gait studies

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Omitting imaging
  • •Confusing with simple leg strain
  • •Failing to note use of brace or assistive device

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming pain without fracture proof
  • •No documentation of brace or disability
  • •Not specifying degree of disability

Onset Patterns

  • •Develops after fracture heals out of alignment
  • •May result from combat trauma or high-impact injury

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Ankle Arthritis

    Malunion alters joint mechanics over time.

  • Limb Length Discrepancy

    Improper healing can cause leg shortening.

Common questions about Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion)

Is Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) under VASRD diagnostic code 5262 (Musculoskeletal System – Leg). Poor healing of the lower leg bones affects how your leg functions, especially the knee or ankle.
What VA disability rating can I get for Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion)?
Possible VA ratings for Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40% — Tibia or fibula didn’t heal right—need a brace to walk.; 30% — Poor bone healing has severely affected your leg movement.; 20% — Leg bone healed wrong—moderate mobility problems..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion)?
The average awarded rating for Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) is 20%. Roughly 12,900 veterans are service-connected for Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – stronger with assistive devices and gait problems…
What evidence helps prove Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) claim includes: Orthopedic imaging of tibia/fibula; Gait and brace use documentation; C&P exam noting mobility deficits.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion): Claiming pain without fracture proof; No documentation of brace or disability; Not specifying degree of disability.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) include: Ankle Arthritis, Limb Length Discrepancy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Knee Impairment Due to Tibia/Fibula Fracture (Malunion/Nonunion) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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