VASRD 5033 · Musculoskeletal

Malunion of Femur or Tibia VA Disability Rating

A fracture of the thigh or shin bone that healed incorrectly, impacting knee or ankle use.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Badly healed thigh or shin bone limits your walking or movement.
20%Healed leg bone affects how well your leg bends or bears weight.
10%Minor leg issue from fracture that doesn’t affect you much.

How the VA Evaluates Malunion of Femur or Tibia

X-ray or CT showing malunion with joint dysfunction; orthopedic evaluation required.

Approval rate

Moderate – highly dependent on imaging and gait assessment.

Annual service-connected

3,900 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-ray showing misalignment
  • •Gait analysis or orthopedic range-of-motion test
  • •VA or private orthopedic consult

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit gait assessments and joint function testing
  • •Show history of pain or instability due to malalignment

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not showing how deformity affects joint function
  • •Only submitting imaging without symptom description

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No range of motion testing included
  • •Not linking malunion to impaired movement

Onset Patterns

  • •Occurs after fractured leg bone heals improperly
  • •Often noticed during physical activity or running

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Malunion of Femur or Tibia. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Knee Arthritis

    Improper alignment can strain the joint over time

Common questions about Malunion of Femur or Tibia

Is Malunion of Femur or Tibia a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Malunion of Femur or Tibia under VASRD diagnostic code 5033 (Musculoskeletal). A fracture of the thigh or shin bone that healed incorrectly, impacting knee or ankle use.
What VA disability rating can I get for Malunion of Femur or Tibia?
Possible VA ratings for Malunion of Femur or Tibia are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30% — Badly healed thigh or shin bone limits your walking or movement.; 20% — Healed leg bone affects how well your leg bends or bears weight.; 10% — Minor leg issue from fracture that doesn’t affect you much..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Malunion of Femur or Tibia?
The average awarded rating for Malunion of Femur or Tibia is 20%. Roughly 3,900 veterans are service-connected for Malunion of Femur or Tibia each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – highly dependent on imaging and gait assessment..
What evidence helps prove Malunion of Femur or Tibia for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Malunion of Femur or Tibia claim includes: X-ray showing misalignment; Gait analysis or orthopedic range-of-motion test; VA or private orthopedic consult.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Malunion of Femur or Tibia?
Common pitfalls when filing for Malunion of Femur or Tibia: No range of motion testing included; Not linking malunion to impaired movement.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Malunion of Femur or Tibia?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Malunion of Femur or Tibia include: Knee Arthritis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Malunion of Femur or Tibia combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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