---
title: "DC 5272 - Subastragalar or tarsal joint, ankylosis of:"
diagnostic_code: "5272"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5272-subastragalar-or-tarsal-joint-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:04:49.657349Z"
---

# DC 5272 - Subastragalar or tarsal joint, ankylosis of:

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 20% | In poor weight-bearing position |
| 10% | In good weight-bearing position |

# Subastragalar or Tarsal Joint Ankylosis (VA Diagnostic Code 5272)

**Understanding how the VA rates ankylosis of the subastragalar or tarsal joint under 38 CFR § 4.71a.**

## What This Condition Is

Diagnostic Code **5272** covers **ankylosis of the subastragalar or tarsal joint**, a condition affecting the **Musculoskeletal System**.

Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or fusion of a joint. The subastragalar (also called subtalar) and tarsal joints are located in the mid- and rear-foot area, below the ankle. When these joints become ankylosed, they lose their normal range of motion.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating for this condition based on the position in which the joint has become fixed. Under Diagnostic Code 5272, there are two rating levels:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **20%** | Ankylosis in a **poor weight-bearing position** |
| **10%** | Ankylosis in a **good weight-bearing position** |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under this diagnostic code, the VA focuses on the **weight-bearing position** of the ankylosed joint:

- A **poor weight-bearing position** — where the fixed joint places the foot in a less functional alignment — is rated at **20%**.
- A **good weight-bearing position** — where the fixed joint remains in a more functional alignment — is rated at **10%**.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a