Common symptoms
- ▸Pain, swelling, or instability
- ▸Reduced range of motion
- ▸Pain with weight bearing or prolonged standing
- ▸Flare-ups limiting walking or running
Common evidence
- ▸Orthopedic evaluation and imaging
- ▸Goniometer ROM measurements
- ▸Service medical records of in-service injury
- ▸Lay statements on flare-ups and functional loss
Primary service connection examples
- ▸Documented in-service training or combat injury
- ▸Foot-march, parachute, or running-intensive MOS
- ▸Service-acquired overuse injury
Secondary service connection examples
- ▸Opposite-side joint condition secondary to altered gait
- ▸Back condition secondary to leg-length discrepancy or limp
- ▸Arthritis secondary to documented joint injury
Rating basics
Rated under 38 CFR §4.71a by range of motion or specific diagnostic code for the joint/foot condition. Instability and arthritis can be rated separately. Bilateral conditions of the lower extremities trigger the bilateral factor.
Common denial reasons
- ✕No in-service complaint or post-service continuity
- ✕ROM at non-compensable levels without DeLuca consideration
- ✕Bilateral factor not applied when both sides are service-connected