Foot/Feet
The VA evaluates foot conditions based on:
- Severity of pain
- Functional loss (standing, walking, balance)
- Structural deformity
- Whether one or both feet are affected
- Impact during use (including repetitive use and flare conditions)
Below are the primary foot conditions the VA rates.
Flatfoot (Pes Planus) – DC 5276
The VA looks at deformity, pain on manipulation and use, swelling, callosities, and whether orthotics help.
Pes Cavus (Claw Foot) – DC 5278
Rated based on toe deformities, plantar fascia tightening, and pain.
Hammer toes
Painful callosities
Hallux Valgus (Bunion) Hallux Rogodus– DC 5280/ DC5281
Metatarsalgia – DC 5279
Plantar Fasciitis – DC 5269 (Newer Code)
Malunion / Nonunion of Tarsal or Metatarsal Bones – DC 5283
“Other Foot Injuries” – DC 5284
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
Each foot can have different diagnosis. Your claim must match your diagnosis. These are the most common foot diagnosis.
The quiz will walk you through the right foot, then the left foot.
Step 2:
Review the Key Factors:
Flatfoot (Pes Planus) — DC 5276
0%, 10%, 20–30%, 50%
Ratings if pronounced, bilateral, with severe pain, deformity, and swelling
Plantar Fasciitis — DC 5269
10%, 20%, 30%
30% for bilateral and unresponsive to treatment
Hallux Valgus/Bunion — DC 5280
10% max
Severe deformity or post-surgery with pain
Hallux Rigidus — DC 5281
10% max
Stiff great toe causing major limitation
Claw Foot (Pes Cavus) — DC 5278
10–50%
Higher if toe contraction, dropped forefoot, very limited dorsiflexion
Metatarsalgia (“Morton’s Neuroma”) — DC 5279
10% max
Unilateral OR bilateral
Malunion/Nonunion of Tarsal or Metatarsal Bones — DC 5283**
10%, 20%, 30%
Based on mild/moderate/severe disability
Other Foot Injuries — DC 5284
10%, 20%, 30%, 40% (with loss of use)
Often used when no specific DC applies