Foot Conditions
Diagnostic Codes 5276–5284 • 38 CFR § 4.71a
Common codes include 5276 (acquired flatfoot), 5282 (hammer toe), and 5284 (foot injuries, other). VA generally does not pyramid duplicate foot ratings for the same symptom set—highest evaluation controls.
DC range
5276–84
Foot Ratings at a Glance (2026 $, veteran alone)
Exact percentages depend on which DC applies—5284 uses severity phrases (moderate → severe). 5276 flatfoot ratings track pronation, pain with use, and deformity. Verify bilateral vs unilateral rows in your decision.
5284 — severe foot injury (typical unilateral tier)
$552.47/mo
5284 — moderately severe / 5276 higher tiers (illustrative)
$356.66/mo
5284 moderate / lower 5276 tiers / hammer toe ratings (varies)
$180.42/mo
5276 — pronounced pes planus with specified findings (when met)
$1,132.90/mo
Strategy: Weight-bearing X-rays, podiatry notes, and clear description of limp / inability to stand for prolonged periods support higher 5284 evaluations. For 5276, document objective pes planus with pain on manipulation or spasm.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes for foot conditions
Three Compensation Scenarios
Unilateral foot injury — 20% + service-connected knee
Foot at 20% ($356.66) stacked with knee 20% combines to roughly mid‑30s%—often ~$600–700/mo combined (illustrative).
Bilateral foot pathology (both feet in schedule)
When both feet meet separate evaluations, bilateral factor may apply—compare decision language for “major” vs “minor” foot and verify combined math with the Rating Calculator.
Foot + ankle + plantar fasciitis stack
Multiple diagnoses may interact—avoid pyramiding duplicate symptoms. Strongest path: pick the highest-schedular foot/ankle picture supported by evidence, then claim distinct secondaries (e.g., knee/back) with nexus.
Rating Breakdown (summary)
| DC | What it covers | Pay examples (vet alone) |
|---|---|---|
| 5284 | Foot injuries, pain—moderate / moderately severe / severe (unilateral & bilateral rows in § 4.71a). | $180.42–$552.47+ |
| 5276 | Acquired flatfoot (pes planus)—severity tied to objective findings, pain, spasm. | Up to $1,132.90 |
| 5282 | Hammer toe—ratings vary by number of toes and bilateral factors. | $0–$356.66 |
| 5283 | Malunion / nonunion of tarsal/metatarsal bones—follow schedule degrees. | Varies |
Read verbatim criteria in 38 CFR § 4.71a for each DC—wording controls over summaries.
Evidence Requirements
Weight-bearing imaging
Standing foot/ankle X-rays show arch collapse and arthritis patterns better than non-weight-bearing.
Orthotics trail
Failed conservative care (OTC → custom) supports higher 5284/5276 severity when documented.
Gait & duty impact
Videotaped limp, work restrictions, time-on-feet limits in provider notes.
Podiatry / PT
Objective tenderness, swelling, callus pattern, biomechanical assessment.
Lay statements
Rest breaks at work, inability to ruck, night pain after shifts.
Common Secondary Conditions
🦶 Plantar fasciitis
STRONG5269 • Arch stress from foot posture
🦵 Knee strain
STRONG5260 • Pronation → knee torque
🦴 Hip strain
MODERATE5252 • Gait compensation
🫳 Lumbar strain
STRONG5237 • Antalgic gait
🦿 Ankle strain
STRONG5271 • Coupled hindfoot overload
🧠 Depression
MODERATE9434 • Chronic pain / mobility
Claim Timeline
Records
STR, deployment foot injuries, current podiatry
File
Specify DC theory (5276 vs 5284) in remarks if known
C&P
Emphasize weight-bearing pain; bring brace list
Decision
Check pyramiding—VA should assign highest supported evaluation
Appeal / increase
New imaging if arch collapse progressed
Higher Ratings — Practical Levers
5284 “severe” language
Tie severe functional loss to limp, shortened duty hours, and failed treatment—not pain adjectives alone.
5276 pronounced flatfoot
Highest tier needs the regulatory bundle (marked deformity, pain on manipulation/spasm, etc.)—line up objective findings.
Bilateral documentation
If both feet are involved, ensure each side is addressed—bilateral rows can change monthly pay.
Common Mistakes
Pyramiding confusion
Claiming both 5276 and 5284 for identical symptoms—VA should avoid double payment.
Non-weight-bearing X-ray only
Misses dynamic collapse—ask for standing films.
Vague work impact
Tie symptoms to shifts missed, profile limits, or MOS restrictions.
Ignoring secondaries
Knee/back claims often need a short medical rationale linking gait.
FAQs
▸ Plantar fasciitis vs foot injury?
Different DC families—ensure diagnosis matches evidence. You may have separate ratings if distinct disability (verify pyramiding).
▸ Can boots in service cause pes planus?
Many veterans argue aggravation or onset during heavy load-bearing—personal and medical chronology plus STRs matter.
▸ Secondary to knee?
Yes, if a service-connected knee altered gait and aggravated foot pathology—medical nexus strengthens the chain.
Cross-Links
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
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