Hammer Toes

DC 5282Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5282

A deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. The VA rates hammer toes based on how many toes are affected.

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 5282

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5282. 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 hammer toes affecting all toes on one foot, without claw foot. This is the maximum rating under this code.

What the VA looks for

Hammer toe deformity of all toes on one foot
No claw foot deformity
Physical examination documenting all affected toes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Single hammer toes are rated at 0% — you need all toes on one foot affected for a compensable 10% rating. However, a 0% rating still establishes service connection, which matters for secondary claims.
⚠Not checking if your condition qualifies as claw foot (DC 5278) instead — claw foot has higher ratings and is a different condition from hammer toes.
⚠Not filing for other foot conditions separately — hammer toes often occur alongside bunions, flatfoot, or plantar fasciitis.
⚠Not documenting pain, callosities, and difficulty wearing shoes — these functional impacts help support the claim and potential secondary conditions.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Foot Conditions (Other)

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

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Hammer Toes 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 5282

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have hammer toes affecting all toes on one foot, without claw foot. This is the maximum rating under this code.

What the VA looks for

Hammer toe deformity of all toes on one foot
No claw foot deformity
Physical examination documenting all affected toes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Single hammer toes are rated at 0% — you need all toes on one foot affected for a compensable 10% rating. However, a 0% rating still establishes service connection, which matters for secondary claims.

⚠Not checking if your condition qualifies as claw foot (DC 5278) instead — claw foot has higher ratings and is a different condition from hammer toes.

⚠Not filing for other foot conditions separately — hammer toes often occur alongside bunions, flatfoot, or plantar fasciitis.

⚠Not documenting pain, callosities, and difficulty wearing shoes — these functional impacts help support the claim and potential secondary conditions.