Hallux Valgus (Bunion)

DC 5280Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5280

A bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe, causing it to angle toward the other toes. The VA rates hallux valgus at a maximum of 10% per foot.

How the VA rates this condition

This condition has a fixed rating under VA regulations. Unlike most conditions, the rating does not vary based on severity. If the VA grants service connection, the rating percentage is set by regulation.

Diagnostic code

DC 5280

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5280. 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 had surgery to remove the metatarsal head for hallux valgus, or your hallux valgus is severe enough to be equivalent to amputation of the great toe. This is the maximum rating per foot.

What the VA looks for

Surgical resection of metatarsal head documented
OR severe hallux valgus equivalent to amputation of great toe
Significant deformity on examination
X-ray showing severe angulation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Hallux valgus is capped at 10% per foot — if your foot condition causes more severe problems, consider whether it should also be rated under other codes like DC 5284 (other foot injuries) or DC 5276 (flatfoot).
⚠Not filing for both feet if bunions are present on both — each foot is rated separately and the ratings are combined.
⚠Not documenting how the bunion affects your walking, shoe wearing, and daily activities — functional impact supports the claim.
⚠Not connecting bunions to secondary conditions — altered gait from bunions can cause knee, hip, and back problems.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Foot Conditions (Other)
DBQ Flatfoot (Pes Planus) Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Hallux Valgus (Bunion) or rated under the same body system.

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257·Musculoskeletal

Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)

DC 5276·Musculoskeletal

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

DC 5003·Musculoskeletal

Fibromyalgia

DC 5025·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5280

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have had surgery to remove the metatarsal head for hallux valgus, or your hallux valgus is severe enough to be equivalent to amputation of the great toe. This is the maximum rating per foot.

What the VA looks for

Surgical resection of metatarsal head documented
OR severe hallux valgus equivalent to amputation of great toe
Significant deformity on examination
X-ray showing severe angulation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Hallux valgus is capped at 10% per foot — if your foot condition causes more severe problems, consider whether it should also be rated under other codes like DC 5284 (other foot injuries) or DC 5276 (flatfoot).

⚠Not filing for both feet if bunions are present on both — each foot is rated separately and the ratings are combined.

⚠Not documenting how the bunion affects your walking, shoe wearing, and daily activities — functional impact supports the claim.

⚠Not connecting bunions to secondary conditions — altered gait from bunions can cause knee, hip, and back problems.