Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5271
Ankle, Limitation of Motion Secondary to Fracture of Tibia or Fibula
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 Ankle, Limitation of Motion when it develops after Fracture of Tibia or Fibula.
Why Ankle, Limitation of Motion Is Linked to Fracture of Tibia or Fibula
Post-fracture misalignment stresses joints
Primary condition · VASRD 5035
Fracture of Tibia or Fibula
Break in the lower leg bones, possibly affecting ankle or knee function.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5271
Ankle, Limitation of Motion
Reduced ability to flex or extend the ankle, usually due to injury or arthritis.
Ankle, Limitation of Motion VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Ankle, Limitation of Motion the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Fracture of Tibia or Fibula — severity of Ankle, Limitation of Motion itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
20% Fracture of Tibia or Fibula + 10% Ankle, Limitation of Motion = 28%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 10% combine to 28%, not 30%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Ankle, Limitation of Motion Secondary Claim
- •An orthopedic exam specifically documenting range-of-motion measurements.
- •X-rays or an MRI showing the underlying cause of the limitation.
Common questions about Ankle, Limitation of Motion secondary to Fracture of Tibia or Fibula
- Can Ankle, Limitation of Motion be service-connected as secondary to Fracture of Tibia or Fibula?
- 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. Post-fracture misalignment stresses joints You'll need a current Ankle, Limitation of Motion diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-conne…
- What VA rating can I get for Ankle, Limitation of Motion as a secondary condition?
- Ankle, Limitation of Motion is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5271 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Ankle, Limitation of Motion itself, not on the severity of Fracture of Tibia or Fibula.
- How does a secondary Ankle, Limitation of Motion claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 20% rating for Fracture of Tibia or Fibula combined with a 10% rating for Ankle, Limitation of Motion (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Ankle, Limitation of Motion as secondary still…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankle, Limitation of Motion as secondary to Fracture of Tibia or Fibula?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Ankle, Limitation of Motion diagnosis includes: An orthopedic exam specifically documenting range-of-motion measurements.; X-rays or an MRI showing the underlying cause of the limitation.. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Fracture…
Primary condition
Full Fracture of Tibia or Fibula guide
Secondary condition
Full Ankle, Limitation of Motion guide
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See how Fracture of Tibia or Fibula and Ankle, Limitation of Motion combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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