Diagnostic Code 5270: Ankle. Ankylosis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 20% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Ankle. Ankylosis under diagnostic code 5270 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5270 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | In plantar flexion, less than 30 degrees What raters look forankylosis in plantar flexion less than 30 degrees |
| 30% | In plantar flexion, between 30 degrees and 40 degrees, or in dorsiflexion, between 0 degrees and 10 degrees What raters look forplantar flexion between 30 and 40 degrees; dorsiflexion between 0 and 10 degrees |
| 40% | In plantar flexion at more than 40 degrees, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10 degrees or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity What raters look forplantar flexion more than 40 degrees; dorsiflexion more than 10 degrees; abduction, adduction, inversion, or eversion deformity |
DC 5270 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 306 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5270 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 54.2%, denied 30.7% and sent 15.0% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5270 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Ankle. The Ankle condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Ankle appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 27,035 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Ankle, 2021 to 2026. The Ankle condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Ankle appeals generally rather than DC 5270 specifically. The DC 5270 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5270?
Diagnostic code 5270 is the VA rating schedule entry for Ankle. Ankylosis, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5270?
DC 5270 provides ratings of 20%, 30%, 40%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5270 require?
The 40% rating for Ankle. Ankylosis requires: In plantar flexion at more than 40 degrees, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10 degrees or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5270?
In 300 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5270 from 2021 to 2026, 54.3% were granted, 30.3% denied and 15.3% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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