How the VA Rates Broken Bones and Fractures
The VA does not rate a healed fracture as a current disability — it rates the residuals left behind after the bone heals. Residuals include limited range of motion, nonunion, malunion, arthritis, and nerve damage. The rating percentage depends on how much those residuals impair your function.
Key Diagnostic Codes for Fractures
The VA uses specific diagnostic codes (DC) under 38 CFR Part 4 to rate fracture residuals. The correct code depends on which bone was fractured and what residual impairment remains.
- DC 5262 — Tibia and fibula, impairment of: Rates residuals of lower-leg fractures. Ratings range from 10% to 40% based on nonunion, malunion with marked disability, or severe limitation of ankle or knee motion.
- DC 5263 — Genu recurvatum: Applies when a tibia fracture heals with backward knee-joint curvature. Rated at 10%.
- DC 5255 — Femur, impairment of: Rates thigh-bone fracture residuals. Severe nonunion or marked shortening (2+ inches) can reach 40%.
- DC 5272 — Ankle, limited motion of: Applies after ankle fractures. Severe limitation rates at 20%, marked limitation at 10%.
- DC 5284 — Foot injuries, other: Used for metatarsal and toe fractures. Severe injury rates at 30%, moderate at 10%.
- DC 5296 — Skull, loss of part of: Rates cranial fracture residuals with exposed or unprotected brain.
What "Residuals" Mean for Your Rating
Residuals are the lingering effects of a fracture that still affect daily function after the bone has healed. The VA examiner will look for four main types of residuals.
- Nonunion: The fracture never fully healed. A false joint (pseudoarthrosis) may form. This is one of the most disabling residuals.
- Malunion: The bone healed in a misaligned position, causing deformity or functional loss.
- Limitation of motion: The nearby joint cannot move through its full range. The VA measures this in degrees using a goniometer.
- Traumatic arthritis: Post-fracture arthritis is rated under DC 5010 (arthritis due to trauma). X-ray evidence of degenerative changes is required.
Rating Percentages Under Common Fracture Codes
Most fracture residual ratings fall between 0% and 40%, with the exact percentage tied to severity of functional impairment.
| Diagnostic Code | Body Part | Common Ratings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC 5255 | Femur | 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% | 40% for nonunion with loose motion |
| DC 5262 | Tibia/Fibula | 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% | 40% for marked knee/ankle disability |
| DC 5272 | Ankle | 10%, 20% | Measured by plantarflexion/dorsiflexion |
| DC 5284 | Foot/Metatarsal | 10%, 20%, 30% | 30% for severe injury |
| DC 5010 | Traumatic Arthritis | 10%, 20% | Requires X-ray confirmation |
Range-of-Motion Testing at Your C&P Exam
At your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, the examiner measures joint motion in degrees using a goniometer. These measurements directly determine your rating percentage.
Normal ranges used by the VA include:
- Knee flexion: 0–140 degrees (normal). Limited to 45 degrees = 30% under DC 5261.
- Ankle dorsiflexion: 0–20 degrees (normal). 0 degrees = severe limitation.
- Hip flexion: 0–125 degrees (normal).
Be sure to report pain with motion, not just the endpoint. Under 38 CFR 4.59, painful motion must be considered. The VA must also consider flare-ups — if your range of motion worsens during activity, describe that to the examiner.
How to Document Your Fracture Residuals
Strong documentation dramatically improves your rating outcome. Gather these records before your C&P exam.
- Service treatment records (STRs): X-rays taken in service confirming the fracture. The ICD-10 codes S52.xx (forearm/radius/ulna), S72.xx (femur), and S82.xx (tibia/fibula) should appear in your records.
- Post-service X-rays and MRIs: Imaging showing malunion, nonunion, or arthritis development.
- Private medical nexus letter: A physician statement connecting your current residuals to the in-service fracture.
- Buddy statements: Fellow servicemembers or family members who observed your injury or current limitations.
- Personal statement: Describe daily functional limits — walking distance, stairs, carrying loads, sleep disruption.
Secondary Conditions From Fractures
A service-connected fracture can open the door to secondary conditions, which are rated separately and added to your combined rating.
- Traumatic arthritis (DC 5010): Rated at 10–20% with X-ray evidence. One of the most common secondary conditions after any fracture.
- Radiculopathy: Nerve damage from a fracture near the spine or a major nerve pathway. Rated under DC 8510–8530 depending on the nerve involved.
- Chronic pain / CRPS: Complex regional pain syndrome can develop after fracture and may qualify as a secondary condition.
- Muscle atrophy: Weakness or loss of muscle bulk from immobilization is rated under the muscle injury diagnostic codes (DC 5301–5323).
C&P Exam Tips for Fracture Claims
Arriving prepared to your C&P exam helps ensure the examiner captures the full scope of your disability.
- Bring a written summary of your worst-day symptoms, not just your average day.
- Demonstrate the motion that causes pain — do not push through pain to appear capable.
- Mention any assistive devices you use (braces, canes, orthotics).
- Report how symptoms affect your ability to stand, walk, lift, and work.
- If you have a flare-up history, note how often they occur and how long they last.
Use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate your combined rating if you have multiple conditions. For a full overview of how the VA rating system works, see our VA disability rating explained guide or browse all rated conditions at VA disability.