VA Diagnostic Code 5273Os calcis or astragalus, malunion of:
Rated from 10% to 20% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 20%
Marked deformity
- 10%
Moderate deformity
Malunion of the Os Calcis or Astragalus (Diagnostic Code 5273)
Understanding VA Disability Ratings for a Malunited Heel or Ankle Bone
What This Condition Is
Diagnostic Code 5273 covers malunion of the os calcis or astragalus — two of the bones in the foot and ankle region. The os calcis is the heel bone (calcaneus), and the astragalus is the ankle bone (talus). "Malunion" refers to a bone that has healed in an improper position, typically following a fracture.
This condition falls under the Musculoskeletal System and is rated under § 4.71a of the VA rating schedule.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the degree of deformity in the affected bone:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Marked deformity |
| 10% | Moderate deformity |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a malunion of the os calcis or astragalus, the VA focuses on the degree of deformity present in the healed bone:
- A moderate deformity may qualify for a 10% rating.
- A marked deformity may qualify for a 20% rating.
The distinction between these rating levels rests on how significant the deformity is in the affected heel or ankle bone.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5273. It is provided for general educational purposes and describes the rating criteria as written.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5273. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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File under diagnostic code 5273 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Musculoskeletal System codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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