Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5033
Malunion of Femur or Tibia Secondary to Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Malunion of Femur or Tibia when it develops after Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck.
Why Malunion of Femur or Tibia Is Linked to Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck
Improper healing can shorten or tilt the leg
Primary condition · VASRD 5034
Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck
A severe break in the upper leg bone causing long-term mobility issues.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5033
Malunion of Femur or Tibia
A fracture of the thigh or shin bone that healed incorrectly, impacting knee or ankle use.
Malunion of Femur or Tibia VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Malunion of Femur or Tibia the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck — severity of Malunion of Femur or Tibia itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
40% Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck + 20% Malunion of Femur or Tibia = 52%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 40% and 20% combine to 52%, not 60%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Malunion of Femur or Tibia Secondary Claim
- •X-rays showing the specific misalignment.
- •Gait analysis or an orthopedic range-of-motion test.
- •A VA or private orthopedic consultation assessing the functional impact.
Common questions about Malunion of Femur or Tibia secondary to Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck
- Can Malunion of Femur or Tibia be service-connected as secondary to Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Improper healing can shorten or tilt the leg You'll need a current Malunion of Femur or Tibia diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-conn…
- What VA rating can I get for Malunion of Femur or Tibia as a secondary condition?
- Malunion of Femur or Tibia is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5033 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 30%, 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Malunion of Femur or Tibia itself, not on the severity of Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck.
- How does a secondary Malunion of Femur or Tibia claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 40% rating for Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck combined with a 20% rating for Malunion of Femur or Tibia (example figures) produces a combined rating of 52%, not 60%. Approving Malunion of Femur or Tibia as se…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Malunion of Femur or Tibia as secondary to Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Malunion of Femur or Tibia diagnosis includes: X-rays showing the specific misalignment.; Gait analysis or an orthopedic range-of-motion test.; A VA or private orthopedic consultation assessing the functional impact.. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating prov…
Primary condition
Full Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck guide
Secondary condition
Full Malunion of Femur or Tibia guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Fracture of Femur, Shaft or Anatomical Neck and Malunion of Femur or Tibia combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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