How VA rates toe conditions
VA rates hallux valgus under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5280, severe hallux rigidus under DC 5281, hammer toe under DC 5282, and tarsal/metatarsal malunion or nonunion under DC 5283.
Rating criteria from the tool data
| Rating | What VA looks for |
|---|---|
| 10% | DC 5280: severe unilateral hallux valgus equivalent to great-toe amputation, or surgery with metatarsal-head resection |
| 10% | DC 5281: severe unilateral hallux rigidus; do not combine with claw-foot ratings |
| 0/10% | DC 5282: single hammer toes are 0%; all toes on one foot without claw foot are 10% |
| 10/20/30% | DC 5283: moderate, moderately severe, or severe tarsal/metatarsal malunion or nonunion |
DBQ and symptom topics to review
Review these topics against your own records and symptoms. Do not exaggerate or minimize; describe functional impact accurately.
- Severe unilateral hallux valgus equivalent to great-toe amputation10%DC 5280
- Hallux valgus operated with resection of the metatarsal head10%DC 5280
- Severe unilateral hallux rigidus10%DC 5281; rated as severe hallux valgus
- Hammer toe of all toes on one foot without claw foot10%DC 5282
- Moderate tarsal or metatarsal malunion/nonunion10%DC 5283
- Severe tarsal or metatarsal malunion/nonunion30%DC 5283
What may happen in the exam room
- Inspection of toe alignment, bunion, callus, and deformity
- Palpation for tenderness
- Walking and push-off observation
- Review of surgical scars and footwear accommodation
Measurements and findings to understand
- Which toe and which foot are affected
- Severity of deformity and functional loss
- Whether all toes are involved
- Effect on push-off, balance, and shoe fit
Questions the examiner may cover
- Which toes are painful or fixed?
- Have you had metatarsal-head surgery?
- What shoes can you tolerate?
- How do toe symptoms change walking, balance, or standing?
Functional-impact language to think through
Use plain, truthful wording that matches your records and daily limitations. These examples are prompts for accuracy, not scripts.
- Identify the specific toe and side.
- Describe shoe pressure, push-off pain, and balance limits.
- Explain whether symptoms worsen after repeated walking or during flares.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Folding toe deformities into an ankle claim
- Not identifying the affected toe and side
- Failing to mention prior surgery
Evidence to organize before the exam
- Foot Conditions DBQ
- Podiatry or orthopedic notes
- Weight-bearing imaging
- Surgical reports
- Photos showing deformity or shoe accommodation
Preparation notes
- Bring the shoes or inserts you normally use.
- Describe function on a bad day without forcing movement.
DeLuca and flare-up notes
Functional loss: Describe painful use, repeated walking, flare-ups, and reduced push-off under 38 CFR §§ 4.40, 4.45, and 4.59.
Official rating source
38 CFR 4.71a, DCs 5280-5283. Checked 2026-09-04. Educational preparation only; not a personal rating.