Veterans with ankle injuries or conditions sustained during military service can receive monthly compensation through the VA disability system. The VA rates ankle conditions under diagnostic codes 5270 through 5274, with ratings ranging from 10% to 40% for most conditions, though certain surgical procedures and severe joint involvement can push ratings higher. In 2026, a 10% rating pays $180.42 per month and a 20% rating pays $356.66 per month, after the 2.8% COLA adjustment that took effect in January 2026.
Understanding which diagnostic code applies to your specific ankle condition is critical. The VA assigns ratings based on how much motion you have lost, whether your ankle has fused (ankylosis), and whether you underwent surgical removal of the talus bone. Getting the right code and the right documentation makes the difference between a 10% and a 40% rating.
VA Ankle Diagnostic Codes Explained
The VA uses five primary diagnostic codes to rate ankle conditions. Each code covers a different type of impairment. Here is a breakdown of all five:
DC 5270: Ankylosis of the Ankle
Ankylosis means the ankle joint has fused and lost all motion. This is the highest-rated ankle condition under the standard schedule. The VA assigns ratings based on the position in which the ankle fused:
| Ankylosis Position | Rating |
|---|
| Plantar flexion more than 40 degrees, dorsiflexion more than 10 degrees, or abduction/adduction/inversion/eversion deformity | 40% |
| Plantar flexion 30 to 40 degrees or dorsiflexion 0 to 10 degrees | 30% |
| Plantar flexion less than 30 degrees | 20% |
Plantar flexion is the motion of pointing your foot downward (like pressing a gas pedal). Dorsiflexion is the motion of pulling your foot upward toward your shin. When the ankle fuses in an unfavorable position, it severely limits walking and standing, which is why the VA rates this higher than simple limited motion.
DC 5271: Limitation of Motion of the Ankle
This is the most commonly assigned ankle diagnostic code. Most veterans with ankle sprains, tendonitis, ligament tears, and arthritis end up rated under 5271.
| Limitation of Motion | Rating |
|---|
| Marked limitation (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion OR less than 10 degrees plantar flexion) | 20% |
| Moderate limitation (less than 15 degrees dorsiflexion OR less than 30 degrees plantar flexion) | 10% |
For reference, a normal ankle has roughly 20 degrees of dorsiflexion and 50 degrees of plantar flexion. "Marked" limitation means your ankle is severely restricted. "Moderate" limitation means you have noticeable restriction but retain more function.
The VA also considers "painful motion" under 38 CFR 4.59. Even if your range of motion numbers do not technically meet the threshold for a higher rating, if motion is painful, the VA must rate you at the minimum compensable level for that joint.
DC 5272: Ankylosis of the Subastragalar or Tarsal Joint
This code covers fusion of the joints below the ankle proper, specifically the subtalar (subastragalar) joint or the tarsal joints of the midfoot.
| Condition | Rating |
|---|
| Ankylosis in poor weight-bearing position | 20% |
| Ankylosis in good weight-bearing position | 10% |
A "poor weight-bearing position" means the joint fused at an angle that makes normal walking difficult. A "good" position means it fused closer to neutral and allows more functional walking.
DC 5273: Malunion of the Os Calcis or Astragalus
This code applies when the heel bone (os calcis, also called the calcaneus) or the talus (astragalus) healed incorrectly after a fracture, resulting in deformity.
| Deformity Level | Rating |
|---|
| Marked deformity | 20% |
| Moderate deformity | 10% |
Veterans with old calcaneal fractures from parachute jumps, falls, or vehicle accidents often fall under this code. The VA examiner will assess the degree of malalignment and its functional impact.
DC 5274: Astragalectomy
Astragalectomy is surgical removal of the talus bone. This receives a flat 20% rating regardless of functional outcome.
| Condition | Rating |
|---|
| Astragalectomy (talus removal) | 20% |
VA Ankle Pay Rates in 2026
After the 2.8% COLA increase effective January 2026, here are the monthly compensation amounts for the ratings most commonly assigned to ankle conditions (veteran with no dependents):
| VA Rating | Monthly Pay (Veteran Alone, 2026) |
|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $553.62 |
| 40% | $796.90 |
Veterans rated 30% or higher also receive additional monthly payments for dependents, including a spouse, children, or dependent parents.
Higher Ratings: When Your Ankle Condition Exceeds the Standard Schedule
Some ankle conditions qualify for ratings above 40% under different diagnostic codes:
DC 5056: Ankle Replacement (Prosthetic Joint)
If you had your ankle joint replaced with a prosthetic implant, the VA rates you at 100% for the first year after surgery while you recover. After that, the rating drops based on residuals: 40% for severe residuals and a minimum of 20% for any residuals remaining after healing.
DC 5000: Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
Chronic bone infections of the ankle can be rated up to 100% if you have active infection with constitutional symptoms like fever, weight loss, and widespread involvement. More localized infections receive lower ratings. Osteomyelitis is more common in veterans who sustained open fractures or shrapnel wounds.
DC 5003: Arthritis, Degenerative
Traumatic arthritis in the ankle is rated under DC 5003 and can also be rated by analogy to limitation of motion under DC 5270 or 5271, whichever is more beneficial to you. The VA should assign whichever code produces the higher rating.
Bilateral Ankle Ratings
If both of your ankles are service-connected, the VA applies the bilateral factor. This means the VA combines your individual ankle ratings and then adds 10% of that combined value on top. The bilateral factor recognizes that having two affected extremities impairs a veteran more than having one.
For example, if your right ankle is rated 20% and your left ankle is rated 10%, the combined bilateral rating would be calculated as follows: the two ratings combine to approximately 28%, and then the bilateral factor adds 10% of that combined value (approximately 2.8 percentage points), bringing the total to about 31%, which rounds to 30% before combining with any other conditions.
Secondary Conditions to Ankle Disabilities
A service-connected ankle condition can serve as the basis for secondary service connection for other conditions that develop as a result. The most common secondary conditions veterans file alongside ankle claims include:
Knee conditions: Altered gait from a bad ankle puts abnormal stress on the knee. Knee arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome are frequently rated secondary to ankle conditions.
Hip and lower back conditions: The same compensatory gait mechanics that stress the knee also affect the hip and lumbar spine over time.
Foot conditions: Flat foot (pes planus), plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy often develop secondary to ankle instability or ankylosis.
Mental health conditions: Chronic pain from ankle disabilities is associated with depression and anxiety. Veterans can claim mental health conditions as secondary to service-connected physical conditions when a medical professional establishes the link.
To claim a secondary condition, you need a nexus opinion from a medical provider stating that your secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by your service-connected ankle condition.
Service Connection: What the VA Requires
To receive any VA disability rating for an ankle condition, you must establish service connection. The VA requires three elements:
- A current diagnosis of an ankle condition
- An in-service event, injury, or disease (or pre-existing condition aggravated by service)
- A medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to the in-service event
In-service events for ankle conditions commonly include ankle sprains documented in service medical records, fractures from training accidents or combat, repetitive stress from running or rucking on hard surfaces, and parachute landing falls.
Presumptive service connection may apply if you served in Vietnam and have certain conditions related to Agent Orange, or if you served in specific combat areas and have conditions on the presumptive list. Ankle arthritis is not a direct presumptive condition, but osteomyelitis related to wounds may be covered.
Nexus letters: If your service medical records do not clearly document the in-service ankle injury, a private medical opinion (nexus letter) from a doctor stating the link between your service and your current condition is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can provide.
How to File a VA Ankle Disability Claim
Step 1: File an Intent to File
Submit an Intent to File before gathering all your evidence. This preserves your effective date, meaning the VA will pay retroactively to the Intent to File date once your claim is approved, even if it takes months to prepare your full claim. You can file by calling 1-800-827-1000 or online at VA.gov.
Step 2: Gather your evidence
Collect your DD-214 or other service separation documents, all service medical records mentioning ankle injuries or treatment, private medical records showing your current diagnosis, buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed your injury, and any imaging (X-rays, MRI) showing current ankle pathology.
Step 3: File your disability claim
Submit VA Form 21-526EZ, either online through the VA.gov disability claim portal, in person at a VA regional office, or by mail. The online process is the fastest. You can also work with a VA-accredited claims agent, Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or attorney at no cost for the initial claim.
Step 4: Attend your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam
The VA will schedule you for a C&P exam to assess your ankle's current condition. Show up to this appointment. If you miss it without rescheduling, the VA may deny your claim for lack of evidence. At the exam, walk the examiner through your worst days, not your best. Report all pain, instability, swelling, and functional limitations you experience. Do not minimize your symptoms.
Step 5: Review your rating decision and appeal if needed
Once the VA issues its decision, you have one year to appeal if you disagree. Options include a Supplemental Claim (with new evidence), a Higher-Level Review (same evidence reviewed by a senior rater), or a Board Appeal at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
C&P Exam Tips for Ankle Conditions
The C&P examiner will measure your range of motion using a goniometer. A few things to keep in mind:
- The examiner should measure your ankle both before and after repetitive movement, since many veterans have reduced range of motion after using the joint (called "flare-up" or "pain on use" reduction). If the examiner only measures once without exertion, politely ask about flare-up testing or document it in your claim.
- Report if your ankle locks, gives way, or causes you to fall. Instability is a functional impairment that affects your rating.
- If you use a brace, cane, or have modified your footwear, bring those items and mention them.
- Bring a list of all medications you take for ankle pain.
Using Our Benefits Screener
Ankle conditions are just one part of the VA disability picture. Many veterans with ankle ratings also qualify for other federal and state benefits based on their income, disability percentage, and household situation. Use our free benefits screener to see what other programs you may be eligible for, including Medicaid, SNAP, and other assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum VA rating for an ankle condition?
The highest rating under the standard ankle diagnostic codes (5270-5274) is 40%, which applies when the ankle is completely fused (ankylosis) in a severely unfavorable position. However, veterans who had their ankle joint surgically replaced (DC 5056) receive a temporary 100% rating for the first post-operative year, then 40% for severe residuals. Chronic bone infection (osteomyelitis, DC 5000) can also rate up to 100% in the most severe cases.
What is the most common VA ankle rating?
Most veterans with ankle conditions receive either a 10% or 20% rating under DC 5271 (limitation of motion). A 10% rating reflects moderate limitation of motion, and a 20% rating reflects marked limitation. These are the most frequently assigned ankle ratings because ankle sprains, tendonitis, and mild arthritis typically result in limited but not completely fused joints.
Can I get a VA rating for ankle instability alone?
Yes. Ankle instability without complete range of motion loss can still support a rating. The VA evaluates instability under DC 5271 by analogy or under general principles of functional impairment. You should document how often your ankle gives way, whether you need a brace, and how it limits your daily activities. A private nexus letter documenting functional instability can help support a higher rating.
How does the VA rate ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis is most commonly rated under DC 5003 (degenerative arthritis) or DC 5010 (traumatic arthritis). However, the VA rates arthritis by limitation of motion when doing so produces a higher rating than the arthritis-specific codes alone. If your ankle arthritis limits dorsiflexion to less than 5 degrees, the VA should rate you at 20% under DC 5271, not simply the 10% minimum under the arthritis code.
What is a nexus letter and do I need one for my ankle claim?
A nexus letter is a written opinion from a licensed medical provider stating that your current ankle condition is at least as likely as not related to your military service. If your service medical records clearly document the ankle injury, you may not need a private nexus letter. But if there is a gap between your in-service injury and your current diagnosis, or if the VA's own examiner provides an unfavorable nexus opinion, a private nexus letter can be a powerful piece of evidence to submit as a Supplemental Claim.
Do both ankles get rated separately?
Yes. Each ankle is rated individually, and if both are service-connected, the bilateral factor applies. The bilateral factor adds approximately 10% of the combined value of both ankle ratings to your total. You must explicitly claim each ankle separately on your VA Form 21-526EZ.
How long does it take to get a VA ankle disability rating decision?
VA claim processing times vary. As of 2026, the VA aims to complete rating decisions within 125 days for standard claims. Complex claims with multiple conditions or insufficient records can take longer. Filing online through VA.gov, submitting complete evidence upfront, and attending your C&P exam as scheduled are the best ways to avoid delays.
What if the VA rated my ankle too low?
If you believe your ankle rating is too low, you have three appeal options within one year of the rating decision: a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence such as updated medical records or a private nexus letter, a Higher-Level Review where a senior VA rater reviews your existing file, or a Board of Veterans' Appeals hearing. Working with an accredited VSO or attorney can significantly improve your chances on appeal.
