Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)
The VA rates Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) under Diagnostic Code 5279 at a single 10% level. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral.
Rating schedule — DC 5279 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 10%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral |
“Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5274AstragalectomyRated up to 20%
- 5275Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening ofRated up to 40%
- 5276Flatfoot, acquiredRated up to 50%
- 5277Weak foot, bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5278Claw foot (pes cavus), acquiredRated up to 50%
- 5280Hallux valgus, unilateralRated up to 10%
- 5281Hallux rigidus, unilateral, severeRated up to 0%
- 5282Hammer toeRated up to 10%
- 5283Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion ofRated up to 30%
- 5284Foot injuries, otherRated up to 30%
Common Questions About Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)?
The VA rates Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) under Diagnostic Code 5279 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral. The maximum 10% rating requires: Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)?
The VA rates Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5279, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) qualify for TDIU?
Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)?
The key evidence for Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5279 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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