VA Ankle Disability Ratings and Compensation

CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law

With how physically active life in the military can be, it is common for veterans to develop ankle disabilities as a result of their service. Unfortunately, the disability claims process for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be quite confusing, leading to denied claims and frustration for many of these same veterans.

If you are a veteran suffering from an ankle condition caused by your military service, then you may be entitled to a VA ankle disability rating and accompanying compensation. This article will guide you through common ankle conditions and how VA rates them, so you can get a sense of the percentage ratings for which you may qualify.

Key points in this article include:

• VA ankle disability ratings commonly range from 10 to 20 percent or 10 to 40 percent. However, for veterans contending with prosthesis implantation or serious arthritis, their ratings can be as high as 100 percent.
• If a veteran’s ankle condition is severe enough to cause “loss of use” for one or both of their feet, then they may be entitled to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), which provides monthly payments higher than the standard rates.
• Additional VA rules may come into effect when rating certain ankle conditions. One such example is the Bilateral Factor, which applies a higher percentage rating if both of a veteran’s ankles are affected by their condition.

What Causes Ankle Conditions Among Veterans?

Many veterans suffer from ankle conditions due to the physical demands of military service and training. Specifically, veterans may have engaged in fitness-related activities and jobs that required physical exertion while serving, including:

• Exercise like marching or jogging, especially in improperly sized footwear
• Manual labor and hauling heavy loads
• Combat or combat training
• And more

Such activities can often result in ankle sprains and other injuries throughout service, thereby leading to the development of ankle conditions.

In addition, it is also common for veterans to suffer trauma to their ankles from events like car crashes or parachuting accidents, among others. Such trauma can cause long-term damage to the ankle, leading veterans to develop ankle conditions later in life.

VA Service Connection for Ankle Conditions

When it comes to VA disability ratings, service connection is the term used to describe whether a veteran’s condition is at all related to their military service, and thus eligible for compensation. There are several types of service connection.

Direct Service Connection for Ankle Conditions

Direct service connection is when a condition was directly caused or worsened by an event that occurred during a veteran’s military service, such as an injury or exposure. To establish service connection for ankle conditions on a direct basis, veterans must provide proof of the following:

1. A current diagnosis of an ankle condition;
2. An in-service event, injury, or illness; and
3. A medical nexus linking the ankle condition to the in-service occurrence.

Medical nexus opinions can be obtained from either private doctors or VA examiners. Either way, so long as a medical professional concludes that a veteran’s ankle condition is “at least as likely as not” due to their time in service, then service connection should be awarded.

Secondary Service Connection for Ankle Conditions

Secondary service connection is when a veteran can prove that their ankle condition was caused or worsened by an already service-connected condition. In this case, their ankle condition would be deemed a secondary condition to their primary service-connected condition.

For example:

• A veteran suffered a car crash during their service, which injured their right knee and contributed to them eventually developing arthritis of the knee. A doctor corroborates this series of events, and the veteran applies for VA compensation for knee arthritis, which they are awarded.
• Years pass, and to minimize the pain their knee causes them, the veteran has altered how they walk and run in order to put less strain on their knee. Unfortunately, this new gait is awkward, and several times the veteran has lost their balance and fallen because of it, leading to multiple ankle sprains.
• Eventually, the veteran’s doctor determines that the veteran has developed ankle instability due to the multiple strains they have suffered. In this case, the veteran may be able to file a disability claim for ankle instability secondary to knee arthritis. This is because their already service-connected knee arthritis was the root cause behind them eventually developing ankle instability.
• If the veteran’s secondary claim is successful, they will receive a VA ankle disability rating and accompanying compensation.

Conditions that Can Lead to Ankle Disabilities

There are several common conditions that can lead to veterans developing ankle disabilities on a secondary basis. Some of these include:

• Ankle arthritis
• Synovitis, or inflammation of the joint lining
• Ankle tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Nerve injuries
• Osteochondral injuries or lesions
• Scar tissue buildup
• Conditions of the back, knee, or foot that could lead to changes in walking

On the other hand, ankle disabilities can also be the root cause for the development of additional disabilities. These conditions secondary to ankle disability often include problems of the foot or knee but can also apply to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently occur in veterans suffering from chronic pain or immobility.

Aggravation of Preexisting Ankle Conditions

When a veteran enters service with a preexisting ankle condition that then becomes worse due to their military service, they may be eligible for service connection on the basis of aggravation. To prove this, the veteran generally needs medical evidence or professional testimony showing:

• The preexisting condition worsened during active service, and
• The progression of the condition was greater than what would naturally be expected.

Typically, any medical conditions a service member has before enlistment should be noted during their initial military health screening. If no such condition is listed, the presumption of soundness usually applies—meaning the veteran is presumed to have been in good health upon entry, which can make establishing service connection through aggravation more challenging.

VA Presumptions for Ankle Conditions

Certain diseases and medical conditions are automatically presumed to be related to military service because they commonly affect veterans who served in specific regions or during defined periods of time. For these presumptive conditions, veterans typically only need to demonstrate that they were stationed in the qualifying location during the relevant timeframe to be eligible for VA disability compensation.

Unfortunately, VA currently does not recognize any direct presumptions for ankle conditions.

What Evidence Do I Need for VA Ankle Disability Ratings?

When submitting a claim for a service-connected ankle condition, the strength of the evidence provided can have a major impact on whether VA approves or denies the claim. Veterans can improve their chances by including several key forms of documentation:

• Service records: These records help demonstrate a direct link between a veteran’s current foot problems and incidents or duties that occurred during military service. Examples include in-service medical evaluations, personnel records, discharge paperwork, or other official military documents.
• Medical documentation: Comprehensive medical evidence is essential to confirm both the existence of the ankle condition and its progression or treatment over time. This can involve reports from VA healthcare facilities, private doctors, or written statements from medical professionals who have treated or evaluated the veteran.
• Personal statements—often called lay statements—from people close to the veteran, such as family members, friends, or co-workers, can describe how the condition affects the veteran’s everyday activities. While these accounts may not hold the same weight as medical or military records, they can still offer valuable perspective and support the claim’s narrative.
• Veterans should also document any assistive devices used as a result of their ankle condition, like braces, walkers, or canes. In general, any evidence that demonstrates the level of functional loss or limitations caused by the disability can strengthen the veteran’s overall claim.

Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams for Ankle Conditions

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A Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination is a medical evaluation conducted by either a VA healthcare provider or a private examiner working under VA authorization. This exam serves as a crucial step in the VA claims process, helping determine whether a veteran’s medical condition is connected to their military service. The findings from the C&P exam also provide VA with the details necessary to assign an appropriate disability rating once service connection has been confirmed.

A C&P exam for an ankle condition will likely contain some or all of the following steps:

• A physical exam where the examiner inspects the veteran’s foot, checking for tender areas, signs of swelling, and other evidence of ankle disability. The examiner will also likely use a tool called a goniometer to determine the ankle’s range of motion.
• A questionnaire section where the examiner will ask the veteran how their condition originally occurred to determine service connection. They may also ask how the veteran’s disability affects their day-to-day life, including questions about pain, activity levels, and the veteran’s ability to move and work.
• Lastly, the examiner may order additional medical tests to confirm the veteran’s ankle condition. This will probably take the form of X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

The results of this C&P exam will play a large part in the rest of the ratings process, likely contributing significantly to the overall VA ankle disability rating the veteran receives.

How Does VA Rate Ankle Conditions?

Once service connection is established, VA will assign a disability rating depending on the severity of the condition. Typically, ankle conditions are rated under 38 CFR § 4.71, which contains the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System.

If a veteran’s ankle condition or symptoms are covered under one of the Diagnostic Codes (DCs) in this schedule of ratings, then VA will compare their symptoms to the criteria for that code and assign them a percentage rating accordingly.

Notably, veterans who have more than one diagnosed ankle condition—such as tendonitis and arthritis—might only receive a single disability rating if the symptoms of those conditions overlap.

This is because VA rules prohibit what is known as “pyramiding”, which refers to assigning more than one rating for the same disability or the same set of symptoms. This ensures that veterans are not compensated twice for the same impairment. That said, if each ankle condition causes separate and distinct symptoms, VA may assign individual ratings for each one.

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VA Disability Rating for Ankylosis of Ankle

Ankylosis of the ankle is when the ankle joint becomes stiff, immobile, or seemingly “frozen”, limiting the range of motion for veterans and often making walking awkward.

Ankylosis of the ankle is rated under Diagnostic Code 5270, and its rating criteria are as follows:

• 40 percent – In plantar flexion at more than 40 degrees, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10 degrees or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity
• 30 percent – In plantar flexion, between 30 and 40 degrees, or in dorsiflexion, between 0 and 10 degrees
• 20 percent – In plantar flexion, less than 30 degrees

Importantly, this diagnostic code is often used to provide ratings for conditions like ankle tendonitis and ankle gout, since ankylosis is often a symptom of these conditions. Alternatively, gout and tendonitis can sometimes be rated under DC 5271, as well.

VA Disability Rating for Ankle Instability

“Ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring giving way of the outer, or lateral, side of the ankle,” says Rachel Foster, Accredited VA Claims Agent with CCK Law. “Typically, this condition is caused by repeated ankle sprains. During an ankle sprain, the ligaments in the ankle may have been stretched out or torn. Even after that strain heals, the ligaments often remain weak and stretched out, leading to ankle instability.”

Ankle instability is usually rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5271. Under DC 5271, ankle instability is rated according to limited motion of the ankle. The rating criteria are as follows:

• 20 percent – marked limitation of motion
• 10 percent – moderate limitation of motion

Moreover, if veterans feel as though their ankle instability warrants a higher rating, they have the right to file an appeal.

VA Disability Rating for Ankylosis of Tarsal Joint

The tarsal joint is an important system of bones and joints within the foot that provides it with much of its capacity for range of motion. Sometimes, the tarsal joint can suffer from ankylosis, causing it to stiffen and making movement more difficult.

Ankylosis of the tarsal joint is covered under DC 5272, the criteria for which are as follows:

• 20 percent – In poor weight-bearing position
• 10 percent – In good weight-bearing position

VA Disability Rating for Os Calcis or Astragalus

“Os calcis” is Latin for the “calcaneus bone,” which constitutes the heel bone, the largest bone in the foot, and one that provides support for much of the rest of the body. On the other hand, “astragalus” refers to the talus bone, another bone in the foot that forms a significant component of the ankle joint.

Sometimes, either the calcaneus bone, talus bone, or both can suffer a fracture from which they cannot heal correctly. This is called a “malunion”, and it can lead to substantial pain, swelling, and foot deformity.

A malunion involving these bones is a disability that can be rated by VA and is covered under DC 5273. VA typically rates this condition based on the severity of the deformity in the foot. The criteria for this condition are as follows:

• 20 percent – Marked deformity
• 10 percent – Moderate deformity

Notably, if both the calcaneus bone and talus bone have trouble healing back together after an injury, it might be referred to as a “heel and talus bone malunion”.

VA Disability Rating for Astragalectomy

An astragalectomy refers to a surgical operation where the talus bone (astragalus) is removed from the foot, typically due to severe ankle trauma or foot deformity. This operation is rated under DC 5274 by VA, which provides veterans a 20 percent disability rating if they have undergone the procedure.

VA Disability Rating for Ankle Arthritis

“Ankle arthritis is a clinical condition where the joints that connect the foot to the leg have damaged or worn-out cartilage,” says one Claims Advocate with CCK Law. “The three bones involved in this joint are the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. Ankle arthritis can involve any or all of these bones.”

Arthritis can be caused either by wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or as a result of an autoimmune condition (rheumatoid arthritis). Arthritis of the ankle often leads to chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Depending on the specifics of a veteran’s ankle arthritis, it can be rated using DC 5271 (based on limitation of motion), or DCs 5002-5003.

DC 5002 covers rheumatoid arthritis, the criteria for which are as follows:

• 100 percent – With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating
• 60 percent – Less than criteria for 100 percent, but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods
• 40 percent – Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health, objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year
• 20 percent – One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis

On the other hand, osteoarthritis is rated under DC 5003, by the following criteria:

• 20 percent – With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations
• 10 percent – With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups

VA Disability Rating for Ankle Prosthetics

Sometimes, if a veteran’s ankle is unable to heal from injury or has been significantly damaged by arthritis, it may become necessary for their ankle joint to be replaced entirely with an artificial prosthetic.

Such a procedure is rated by VA under DC 5056, the criteria for which are as follows:

• 100 percent – For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis
• 40 percent – With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness
• 20 percent – Minimum rating

Importantly, the implantation of an ankle prosthetic can also be rated by analogy to DC 5270 or 5271. VA specifies this only applies: “With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion.”

Additional Rules for VA Ankle Disability Ratings

VA’s Painful Motion Rule

Under VA regulations, a veteran can still qualify for a 10 percent disability rating for painful motion of the ankle, even if their range of motion does not technically meet the criteria outlined in a diagnostic code. This is called the Painful Motion Rule.

Notably, VA frequently makes errors when applying this rule. Generally, VA is required to evaluate additional signs of functional loss, including weakness, pain with movement, difficulty standing or sitting, and fatigue. However, these factors are often overlooked or not properly assessed by VA, which can give cause for some veterans to file an appeal to seek a more accurate disability rating.

VA’s Bilateral Factor Rule

Bilateral disabilities are those that affect both sides of a veteran’s body. For instance, if both a veteran’s right and left ankles suffer from arthritis, then VA will consider them to have a bilateral disability.

This is important because VA recognizes bilateral conditions to be particularly disabling and therefore deserving of a higher percentage rating. This is referred to as the bilateral factor.

Under the bilateral factor, VA will combine the ratings of both a veteran’s right and left ankles and then add an additional 10 percent on top of that. Note, however, that this additional 10 percent is not added as a flat increase to the veteran’s overall disability rating. Instead, it is simply factored into the “VA math” equation used to calculate that veteran’s overall disability rating.

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VA’s Major Joint Rule

VA’s Major Joint Rule applies to some of the most prominent joints in the body, including the knees, shoulders, and ankles. This rule declares that if a veteran is determined to have fair range of motion in their affected joints, so long as they experience pain, VA may be obligated to rate them under Diagnostic Code 5003 for arthritis.

Essentially, this rule allows veterans without range of motion limitations to still receive a compensable rating from VA.

VA Compensation for Ankle Conditions

Generally, a veteran’s monthly compensation rises in line with their VA ankle disability rating. The chart below outlines the 2025 payment amounts corresponding to each percentage level of disability.

As of 2025, the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:

• 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
• 10 percent disability rating: $175.51 per month
• 20 percent disability rating: $346.95 per month
• 30 percent disability rating: $537.42 per month
• 40 percent disability rating: $774.16 per month
• 50 percent disability rating: $1,102.04 per month
• 60 percent disability rating: $1,395.93 per month
• 70 percent disability rating: $1,759.19 per month
• 80 percent disability rating: $2,044.89 per month
• 90 percent disability rating: $2,297.96 per month
• 100 percent disability rating: $3,831.30 per month

Veterans who have eligible dependents—such as a spouse, child, or other qualifying family members—may also qualify for extra monthly payments, which can increase their overall benefit amount.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Ankle Conditions

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional VA benefit designed for veterans with severe disabilities or complex medical circumstances. It provides higher monthly payments to help offset limitations or needs that regular disability compensation may not adequately cover.

In some cases, a veteran’s ankle condition may be connected to a broader injury or medical complication. When the symptoms are especially debilitating, VA may grant increased compensation through SMC to account for the heightened level of disability.

Another way a veteran may qualify for SMC related to an ankle condition is through what VA calls “loss of use.” This term applies when a limb or body part is so impaired that it would function just as effectively as if it were replaced by a suitable prosthetic device. Importantly, amputation is not necessary to meet this loss of use standard. VA bases its decision on how much practical function remains in the affected limb—such as the ability to perform key movements or tasks.

When evaluating loss of use of the feet, VA looks at factors like balance, mobility, and propulsion. If it concludes that a veteran has lost the effective use of one or both feet, that individual may qualify for additional SMC benefits.

Can I Get Total Disability for Ankle Conditions?

Yes, veterans may be eligible for total disability benefits if their ankle condition is severe enough to prevent them from working.

One of the most common pathways is Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This benefit applies to veterans whose service-connected conditions make it impossible to maintain substantially gainful employment. Through TDIU, veterans can receive compensation equivalent to a 100 percent rating, even if their official ratings are below that threshold.

There are two primary ways to qualify:

• Schedular TDIU: Granted when a veteran meets VA’s percentage criteria:
  1. One service-connected condition rated at 60 percent or higher, or
  2. A combined rating of 70 percent or more, with at least one condition rated at 40 percent or higher.
• Extraschedular TDIU: Considered for veterans who fall short of these rating requirements but whose service-connected disabilities still prevent them from working. In such cases, VA’s Director of Compensation Service reviews the claim and determines whether TDIU should be awarded.

Because TDIU claims can involve complex evidence and regulations, veterans often benefit from consulting a VA-accredited attorney or representative to ensure their claim is as strong as possible. If you have an ankle condition and want to pursue TDIU for your claim, consider contacting CCK Law for a free case evaluation.

Was Your VA Ankle Claim Denied? Call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick

If VA denied you a disability rating for your ankle condition, the accredited team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to assist. Our attorneys have decades of collective experience in veterans law and have secured favorable outcomes for 99 percent of our cases before VA.

Call CCK Law today at (800) 544-9144 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.