DC 5172Musculoskeletal SystemCriteria from 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5172

Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head

The VA rates Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head under Diagnostic Code 5172 across 2 severity levels, from 0% to 20%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.

Rating schedule — DC 5172 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
20%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
2

0%, 20%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Where this code is published

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head?

RatingCriteria
0%

Without metatarsal involvement

20%

One or two

“One or two”

These diagnostic codes sit next to Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head 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.

  1. 5154Long finger, amputation ofRated up to 20%
  2. 5155Ring finger, amputation ofRated up to 20%
  3. 5156Little finger, amputation ofRated up to 20%
  4. 5170Toes, all, amputation of, without metatarsal loss or transmetatarsal, amputation of, with up to half of metatarsal lossRated up to 30%
  5. 5171Toe, great, amputation ofRated up to 30%
  6. 5173Toes, three or four, amputation of, without metatarsal involvementRated up to 20%
  7. 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
  8. 5201Arm, limitation of motion ofRated up to 40%
  9. 5202Humerus, other impairment ofRated up to 80%
  10. 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment ofRated up to 20%
All 139 musculoskeletal conditions

The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.

Common Questions About Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head?

The VA rates Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head under Diagnostic Code 5172 at 0%, 20%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Without metatarsal involvement. The maximum 20% rating requires: One or two.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head?

The VA rates Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5172, published in 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 0% and a 20% rating for Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head?

A 0% rating requires: Without metatarsal involvement. A 20% rating requires: One or two. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head qualify for TDIU?

Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head maxes at 20%, 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 Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head?

The key evidence for Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head 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 Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5172 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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