DC 5279Musculoskeletal38 CFR § 4.71aLast verified: APR 8, 2026

Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5279)

The VA rates Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5279, from 10% to 10% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 10% rating requires Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral. Related conditions in the Musculoskeletal body system share this rating framework.

Also available: View full condition details for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral

Rating schedule — DC 5279 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
10%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
1

10%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral?

10%Disability Rating

Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral

Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral

Common Questions About Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral VA Ratings

What is the VA disability rating for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral?

The VA rates Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral under Diagnostic Code 5279 at the following tiers: 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.

What is Diagnostic Code 5279?

Diagnostic Code 5279 is the VA rating identifier for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral 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.

What is the highest rating for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral?

The highest schedular rating for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral under DC 5279 is 10%. This tier requires: Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What 38 CFR section governs Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral ratings?

Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5279. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral?

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral?

The key evidence for Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral depends on the body system. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and documented flare-ups are the most impactful evidence. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

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