Flail Ankle Joint

DC 5272Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5272

An ankle joint that is abnormally loose and unstable due to loss of ligament support, severe bone or joint destruction, or failed surgical repair. A flail ankle cannot support the body weight reliably and moves in an uncontrolled manner. The VA rates flail ankle under the ankylosis code based on the severity of the instability.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 5272

Rating range

20% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5272. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have ankylosis of the ankle in plantar flexion at more than 40 degrees, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10 degrees, or with abduction, adduction, inversion, or eversion deformity. This is a severely unfavorable position.

What the VA looks for

Ankle fixed in plantar flexion greater than 40 degrees
Ankle fixed with abduction, adduction, or rotational deformity
Severe gait impairment requiring assistive device
Significant limitation of all weight-bearing activities
Examination showing no residual ankle motion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not distinguishing between limited motion and true ankylosis — ankylosis means the joint is completely fused with no motion at all. If you have some remaining motion, even if very limited, the ankle should be rated under the limited motion codes (DC 5270/5271) instead.
⚠Not documenting the position of ankylosis — the rating depends on the exact position in which the ankle is fixed. The examiner must document whether the ankle is in plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, or a rotational deformity, and the degree.
⚠Forgetting to claim loss of use — if the ankylosis is so severe that the foot has no effective function, you may qualify for loss of use of the foot with special monthly compensation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ankle Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Flail Ankle Joint

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5272

Rating range

20% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ankle fixed in plantar flexion greater than 40 degrees
Ankle fixed with abduction, adduction, or rotational deformity
Severe gait impairment requiring assistive device
Significant limitation of all weight-bearing activities
Examination showing no residual ankle motion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not distinguishing between limited motion and true ankylosis — ankylosis means the joint is completely fused with no motion at all. If you have some remaining motion, even if very limited, the ankle should be rated under the limited motion codes (DC 5270/5271) instead.

⚠Not documenting the position of ankylosis — the rating depends on the exact position in which the ankle is fixed. The examiner must document whether the ankle is in plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, or a rotational deformity, and the degree.

⚠Forgetting to claim loss of use — if the ankylosis is so severe that the foot has no effective function, you may qualify for loss of use of the foot with special monthly compensation.