VASRD 5104 · Musculoskeletal / Neurological

Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity VA Disability Rating

Complete inability to use one leg due to paralysis, injury, or disease.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Cannot walk or stand on that leg

How the VA Evaluates Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity

Loss of function tests, imaging, gait tests.

Approval rate

Very High (~90%) with specialist documentation.

Annual service-connected

95 veterans

Average rating

100%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Neurologist report
  • Rehabilitation documents

Strategy Tips

  • Document home adaptations
  • Show inability to bear weight

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Functional use underestimated
  • Lack of mobility test results

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Failure to describe daily mobility impact
  • No use of assistive device documented

Onset Patterns

  • Spinal trauma, stroke, ALS

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Hip Strain

    Overcompensation

  • PTSD

    Mobility loss impact

Common questions about Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity

Is Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity under VASRD diagnostic code 5104 (Musculoskeletal / Neurological). Complete inability to use one leg due to paralysis, injury, or disease.
What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity?
Possible VA ratings for Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity are 100%. Examples: 100% — Cannot walk or stand on that leg.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity?
The average awarded rating for Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity is 100%. Roughly 95 veterans are service-connected for Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity each year. Typical approval likelihood: Very High (~90%) with specialist documentation..
What evidence helps prove Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity claim includes: Neurologist report; Rehabilitation documents.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity?
Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity: Failure to describe daily mobility impact; No use of assistive device documented.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity include: Hip Strain, PTSD. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Loss of Use of One Lower Extremity combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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