---
title: "DC 5273 - Os calcis or astragalus, malunion of:"
diagnostic_code: "5273"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5273-os-calcis-or-astragalus-malunion-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:05:05.004836Z"
---

# DC 5273 - Os calcis or astragalus, malunion of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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.*

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