Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of
The VA rates Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of under Diagnostic Code 5283 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5283 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate |
| 20% | Moderately severe |
| 30% | Severe |
“Moderately severe”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of 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.
- 5277Weak foot, bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5278Claw foot (pes cavus), acquiredRated up to 50%
- 5279Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5280Hallux valgus, unilateralRated up to 10%
- 5281Hallux rigidus, unilateral, severeRated up to 0%
- 5282Hammer toeRated up to 10%
- 5284Foot injuries, otherRated up to 30%
- 5296Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tablesRated up to 80%
- 5297Ribs, removal ofRated up to 50%
- 5298Coccyx, removal ofRated up to 10%
Common Questions About Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of?
The VA rates Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of under Diagnostic Code 5283 at 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Moderate. The maximum 30% rating requires: Severe.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of?
The VA rates Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5283, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 30% rating for Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of?
A 10% rating requires: Moderate. A 30% rating requires: Severe. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of qualify for TDIU?
Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of maxes at 30%, 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 Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of?
The key evidence for Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of 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 Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5283 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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