Achilles Tendonitis

DC 5024Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5024

Pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. The VA rates Achilles tendonitis by analogy to tenosynovitis, based on painful motion, X-ray findings, and how much it limits your ankle movement.

Rating Levels

Your Achilles tendonitis is severe and significantly limits your ankle motion. You have marked difficulty walking, standing for extended periods, or performing physical activities.

What the VA looks for

Severe limitation of ankle motion documented
Marked difficulty with walking and weight-bearing
Significant functional loss due to pain and weakness
Evidence of chronic tendon thickening or partial tear on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging studies — X-ray or MRI evidence of Achilles tendon changes (calcification, thickening, or partial tears) is important for supporting your rating. Ask your doctor to order imaging.
⚠Not explaining how Achilles tendonitis affects your walking and standing — the VA needs to understand how this condition limits your daily activities, not just that you have pain.
⚠Not reporting symptoms during flare-ups — your worst days matter. Tell the C&P examiner about times when the pain is so bad you cannot walk normally or need to rest.
⚠Not connecting Achilles tendonitis to military service — running, rucking, jumping, and standing for long hours during service are common causes. Make sure your service treatment records document these activities.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — Achilles tendonitis can cause you to change how you walk, which may lead to knee, hip, or opposite foot problems that deserve separate claims.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ankle Conditions
DBQ Foot Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

Your Achilles tendonitis is severe and significantly limits your ankle motion. You have marked difficulty walking, standing for extended periods, or performing physical activities.

What the VA looks for

Severe limitation of ankle motion documented
Marked difficulty with walking and weight-bearing
Significant functional loss due to pain and weakness
Evidence of chronic tendon thickening or partial tear on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging studies — X-ray or MRI evidence of Achilles tendon changes (calcification, thickening, or partial tears) is important for supporting your rating. Ask your doctor to order imaging.

⚠Not explaining how Achilles tendonitis affects your walking and standing — the VA needs to understand how this condition limits your daily activities, not just that you have pain.

⚠Not reporting symptoms during flare-ups — your worst days matter. Tell the C&P examiner about times when the pain is so bad you cannot walk normally or need to rest.

⚠Not connecting Achilles tendonitis to military service — running, rucking, jumping, and standing for long hours during service are common causes. Make sure your service treatment records document these activities.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — Achilles tendonitis can cause you to change how you walk, which may lead to knee, hip, or opposite foot problems that deserve separate claims.