Foot Injuries, Other

DC 5284Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5284

A catch-all diagnostic code for foot injuries that do not fit under more specific foot codes. This covers crush injuries, stress fractures, midfoot injuries, tendon damage, and other trauma to the foot. The VA rates other foot injuries based on the overall severity of the residual disability.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5284

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5284. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have a foot injury so severe that the actual loss of use of the foot is demonstrated. This is equivalent to having no effective function remaining in the foot.

What the VA looks for

Loss of use of the foot documented by examiner
No effective function remaining in the foot
Would be equally well served by amputation with prosthesis
Inability to balance or propel without assistive devices

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not describing the full impact of the injury — DC 5284 rates on overall severity (moderate, moderately severe, severe), so your statement and the examiner's report must paint a complete picture of how the injury affects your daily life.
⚠Not claiming bilateral foot injuries separately — if both feet are injured, each foot should be rated individually. Do not let the VA combine them into a single rating.
⚠Forgetting to document the need for assistive devices — if you use custom orthotics, a brace, or modified shoes, bring them to the exam and make sure the examiner notes them.
⚠Not requesting imaging — X-rays or MRI can show healed fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, or structural changes that support a higher severity rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Foot Conditions Including Flatfoot (Pes Planus)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Foot Injuries, Other

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5284

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have a foot injury so severe that the actual loss of use of the foot is demonstrated. This is equivalent to having no effective function remaining in the foot.

What the VA looks for

Loss of use of the foot documented by examiner
No effective function remaining in the foot
Would be equally well served by amputation with prosthesis
Inability to balance or propel without assistive devices

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not describing the full impact of the injury — DC 5284 rates on overall severity (moderate, moderately severe, severe), so your statement and the examiner's report must paint a complete picture of how the injury affects your daily life.

⚠Not claiming bilateral foot injuries separately — if both feet are injured, each foot should be rated individually. Do not let the VA combine them into a single rating.

⚠Forgetting to document the need for assistive devices — if you use custom orthotics, a brace, or modified shoes, bring them to the exam and make sure the examiner notes them.

⚠Not requesting imaging — X-rays or MRI can show healed fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, or structural changes that support a higher severity rating.