Foot injuries, other — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5284)

The VA rates Foot injuries, other under Diagnostic Code 5284 at the following tiers: 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Moderate. The maximum 30% rating requires: Severe.

Diagnostic Code 5284 is the VA rating identifier for Foot injuries, other within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Foot injuries, other under DC 5284 is 30%. This tier requires: Severe. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Foot injuries, other alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Foot injuries, other is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5284. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Foot injuries, other include: Hip Bursitis / Hip Pain (Gait Compensation), Knee Pain / Patellofemoral Syndrome (Gait Compensation), Lumbar Strain / Low Back Pain (Antalgic Gait). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

Service connection for Foot injuries, other requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.