Achilles tendonitis VA Rating claims are rarely denied because the condition is “minor.” They are underrated because the functional loss is not properly documented.
The Department of Veterans Affairs does not compensate inflammation alone. It compensates measurable impairment — limitation of motion, painful movement, instability, flare-ups, and occupational impact — under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).
This guide provides a structured, legally accurate explanation of how an Achilles tendonitis VA rating is assigned in 2026, how to increase it, and where veterans commonly lose percentage
points.
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis in a VA Context
Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation or degeneration of the tendon connecting the gastrocnemius/soleus muscles to the calcaneus (heel bone).
Among veterans, it commonly develops due to:
- Repetitive ruck marching
- Prolonged load-bearing and field exercises
- Boot-related strain
- Unresolved training injuries
- Airborne operations and impact landings
Chronic cases often lead to:
- Persistent heel pain
- Morning stiffness
- Reduced dorsiflexion
- Altered gait mechanics
- Secondary knee, hip, or lumbar spine strain
For VA purposes, the central issue is functional limitation, not simply diagnosis.
How the VA Assigns an Achilles Tendonitis VA Rating
Achilles tendonitis is typically rated by analogy under ankle limitation-of-motion criteria in the VASRD, primarily:
- Diagnostic Code (DC) 5271 – Limitation of motion of the ankle
- In more severe cases:
- DC 5270 – Ankylosis of the ankle
- DC 5262 – Impairment of tibia and fibula (if structural complications exist)
Standard Rating Levels (Per Ankle)
- 10% → Moderate limitation of motion or painful motion
- 20% → Marked limitation of motion
Under DC 5271, 20% per ankle is generally the maximum schedular rating for limitation of motion alone.
However, ratings may increase beyond 20% if:
- Tendon rupture results in significant functional impairment
- Ankylosis (joint fixation) develops
- There is malunion/nonunion of tibia or fibula
- Severe secondary disabilities are service-connected
- The condition contributes to unemployability (TDIU)
Range of Motion: What “Moderate” vs. “Marked” Means
Normal ankle motion is approximately:
- Dorsiflexion: 0–20 degrees
- Plantar flexion: 0–45 degrees
Although the regulation does not rigidly define “moderate” or “marked,” in practice:
- Significant reduction in dorsiflexion often drives higher ratings
- Pain beginning early in motion testing matters
- Repetitive-use testing results are critical
- Flare-up limitations must be estimated by the examiner
If pain limits function — even when measured motion appears near normal — VA regulations require that limitation to be considered.
This is where many veterans lose percentage points.
The Bilateral Factor: When Both Ankles Are Service-
Connected
If both ankles are service-connected, the VA applies the bilateral factor under 38 CFR § 4.26.
Example:
- 10% left ankle
- 10% right ankle
- Combined under VA math → 19%
- Bilateral factor applied → slightly increased combined rating
This adjustment can materially increase monthly compensation — particularly when combined with:
- Knee conditions
- Hip strain
- Lumbar spine disabilities
A bilateral Achilles tendonitis VA disability rating often produces a higher overall evaluation than veterans expect.
Secondary Conditions That Increase Overall Compensation
Achilles tendonitis frequently causes or aggravates:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle instability
- Degenerative arthritis
- Knee pain from altered gait
- Hip strain
- Lumbar spine disorders
If medically linked, these can be separately rated as secondary service-connected conditions, increasing total compensation well beyond 20%.
Failure to claim secondary conditions is one of the most common compensation mistakes.
Service Connection Requirements
To secure an Achilles tendonitis VA rating, three elements must be established:
1. Current diagnosis (VA or private provider)
2. In-service event, injury, or repetitive stress exposure
3. Medical nexus linking the condition to service
Strong evidence includes:
- Service treatment records
- Physical training or airborne injury documentation
- Line-of-duty determinations
- VA or private nexus opinions
- C&P exam findings
- Lay statements describing functional limitations
Without documented functional loss, Achilles tendonitis claims are often underrated — even if service connection is granted.
Why the C&P Exam Determines Your Rating
The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is frequently the decisive factor.
Examiners must document:
- Range of motion (in degrees)
- Pain onset during movement
- Repetitive-use testing results
- Flare-up severity and frequency
- Weakness, fatigability, instability
- Impact on occupational functioning
If flare-ups are not fully described, the VA may rate only the “baseline” presentation — resulting in a lower percentage.
Veterans should clearly explain:
- How far they can walk before pain begins
- Whether standing causes swelling
- If stairs are limited
- How symptoms affect employment
Precision during the C&P exam often determines whether a rating is 10% or 20%.
Can Achilles Tendonitis Qualify for TDIU?
Yes.
If Achilles tendonitis — alone or combined with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment, a veteran may qualify for:
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
This can result in compensation at the 100% rate, even if the schedular ankle rating is only 10% or 20%.
Occupational impact documentation is essential.
How to Increase an Achilles Tendonitis VA Rating
To pursue an increased rating, evidence must show worsening, such as:
- Reduced range of motion
- More severe flare-ups
- Increased instability
- New tendon rupture
- Development of arthritis
- Secondary joint conditions
- Work limitations
Updated medical exams and detailed functional statements are critical.
Merely reporting “more pain” without measurable functional change is rarely sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (Optimized for 2026 Search Intent)
What is the typical Achilles tendonitis VA rating?
Most veterans receive a 10% or 20% rating per ankle, depending on documented limitation of motion and functional impairment.
What is the highest VA disability rating for Achilles tendonitis?
Under standard ankle limitation criteria, 20% per ankle is typically the maximum schedular rating. Higher overall compensation may result from bilateral ratings, secondary conditions, or TDIU.
How does bilateral Achilles tendonitis affect VA compensation?
When both ankles are service-connected, the VA applies the bilateral factor, increasing the combined disability percentage and monthly payment.
Can Achilles tendonitis be rated higher than 20%?
Yes, if complications such as ankylosis, structural impairment, or unemployability are present.
How do I prove flare-ups to the VA?
You must describe frequency, duration, severity, and functional limitation. The C&P examiner must estimate additional limitation during flare-ups.
Bottom Line
An Achilles tendonitis VA rating is not based on inflammation alone. It is based on documented, measurable functional loss.
Most veterans receive 10% or 20% per ankle.
Higher compensation depends on:
- Bilateral involvement
- Secondary conditions
- Severe structural impairment
- Demonstrated occupational limitations
- TDIU eligibility
The difference between a 10% and 20% rating often comes down to one factor: how precisely functional limitation is documented at the C&P exam.
In VA disability law, detail determines percentage — and percentage determines lifetime compensation.
