Ankle, limited motion of (DC 5271)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code 5271 covers ankle joints that have lost their normal range of motion due to injury, arthritis, or other conditions. The VA rates this based on how many degrees you can move your ankle up (dorsiflexion) and down (plantar flexion) compared to normal movement. A 20% rating means your ankle is severely limited with less than 5 degrees up or 10 degrees down movement, while 10% covers moderate limitations with less than 15 degrees up or 30 degrees down movement.

Rating levels

  • 20% — Your ankle has severely limited movement where you can barely bend your foot upward toward your shin (less than 5 degrees of dorsiflexion) or point your foot downward (less than 10 degrees of plantar flexion). This level of restriction means you have almost no ability to flex your ankle in either direction, which significantly impacts walking, climbing stairs, and other daily activities.
  • 10% — Your ankle has moderate limited motion, meaning you can't bend your foot upward toward your shin more than 15 degrees (dorsiflexion - like when you pull your toes up), or you can't point your foot downward more than 30 degrees (plantar flexion - like when you point your toes down like a ballerina). This level of stiffness significantly restricts your normal ankle movement compared to a healthy ankle.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.