VASRD 5273 · Musculoskeletal
Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of VA Disability Rating
The heel bone (os calcis, now called the calcaneus) or the ankle bone (astragalus, now called the talus) healed out of position after a fracture, and the rating turns on whether the resulting deformity is moderate or marked.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of
DC 5273 rates malunion of the os calcis or astragalus on the degree of deformity and nothing else: moderate deformity is 10 percent, marked deformity is 20 percent, and the code provides no other evaluation. It does not rate the fracture itself, so a talus or calcaneus fracture that united in good position is evaluated on what it actually left — limited ankle motion under DC 5271, ankle ankylosis under DC 5270, ankylosis of the subastragalar or tarsal joint under DC 5272, removal of the talus under DC 5274 (Astragalectomy, 20 percent), or other foot injury residuals under DC 5284.
Approval outlook
Moderate – turns on whether the record documents a malunion at all and describes the deformity as moderate or marked.
Veterans service-connected
~1,100 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~20%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Ankle and hindfoot X-rays or CT that report the malunion and describe the deformity, since the degree of deformity is the only thing this code grades.
- •The operative and treatment record for the original calcaneus or talus fracture, including any attempted reduction, fixation, or fusion.
- •An examination documenting hindfoot alignment along with ankle and subtalar motion, because motion loss is rated under separate codes rather than under DC 5273.
- •Records of shoe modification, orthotics, or bracing prescribed for the deformity.
Strategy Tips
- •Get the degree of deformity stated in the record — moderate or marked — because under DC 5273 that single finding is the entire ladder.
- •Have ankle and subtalar motion measured and recorded separately, since motion loss is evaluated under DC 5271, 5270, or 5272 rather than under DC 5273.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not specifying whether the talus or calcaneus (or both) was affected.
- •An examination that describes pain and gait but never characterizes the deformity as moderate or marked, which is what DC 5273 grades.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Omitting weight-bearing test results.
- •Lack of post-injury rehabilitation documentation.
Onset Patterns
- •These fractures typically result from high-impact falls or trauma; DC 5273 applies where the bone then united out of position, and it is the resulting deformity that is graded.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of
- Is Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of under VASRD diagnostic code 5273 (Musculoskeletal). The heel bone (os calcis, now called the calcaneus) or the ankle bone (astragalus, now called the talus) healed out of position after a fracture, and the rating turns on whether the resulting…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of?
- Possible VA ratings for Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20%: The heel or ankle bone healed badly out of shape.; 10%: The heel or ankle bone healed somewhat out of shape..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,100 veterans are service-connected for Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of. Estimated approval outlook: Moderat…
- What evidence helps prove Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of claim includes: Ankle and hindfoot X-rays or CT that report the malunion and describe the deformity, since the degree of deformity is the only thing this code grades.; The operative and treatment record for the original calcaneus or talus…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of: Omitting weight-bearing test results.; Lack of post-injury rehabilitation documentation..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Os Calcis or Astragalus (Calcaneus or Talus), Malunion of include: Achilles Tendonitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5273)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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