Diagnostic code
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% | Ankylosis in plantigrade position (less than 30 degrees flexion) What raters look forplantigrade ankylosis |
| 30% | Ankylosis in plantigrade position between 30-40 degrees or not in plantigrade (0-10 dorsiflexion) What raters look forankylosis 30-40 degrees |
| 40% | Ankylosis in plantigrade position at more than 40 degrees or not in plantigrade (more than 10 dorsiflexion or equinus position) What raters look forsevere ankylosis |
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 586 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Ankle as the primary issue. The Ankle condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Ankle appeals generally rather than DC 5270 specifically. 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: Ankylosis in plantigrade position at more than 40 degrees or not in plantigrade (more than 10 dorsiflexion or equinus position).