Malunion/Nonunion Tarsal or Metatarsal Bones

DC 5283Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5283

A condition where broken bones in the midfoot or forefoot heal in an abnormal position (malunion) or fail to heal at all (nonunion). This causes chronic pain, altered foot mechanics, and difficulty bearing weight. The VA rates this condition based on the overall severity of the 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 5283

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5283. 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 severe malunion or nonunion of tarsal or metatarsal bones with marked deformity, significant functional loss, and major limitation of daily activities.

What the VA looks for

X-ray showing severe malunion or persistent nonunion
Marked foot deformity visible on examination
Need for assistive device for ambulation
Severe limitation of occupational and daily activities
Chronic pain unresponsive to conservative treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting weight-bearing X-rays — malunion is best shown on weight-bearing films that reveal how the bones align under the stress of standing. Non-weight-bearing films may understate the deformity.
⚠Not documenting the specific bones involved — identify which tarsal or metatarsal bones are affected, as this helps establish the full extent of the injury.
⚠Failing to describe the impact on employment — the severity levels (moderate, moderately severe, severe) depend heavily on how the condition limits your occupational function. Provide specific examples.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — malunion can cause compensatory gait changes leading to knee, hip, or back problems that should be claimed separately.

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…

Malunion/Nonunion Tarsal or Metatarsal Bones

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5283

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe malunion or nonunion of tarsal or metatarsal bones with marked deformity, significant functional loss, and major limitation of daily activities.

What the VA looks for

X-ray showing severe malunion or persistent nonunion
Marked foot deformity visible on examination
Need for assistive device for ambulation
Severe limitation of occupational and daily activities
Chronic pain unresponsive to conservative treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting weight-bearing X-rays — malunion is best shown on weight-bearing films that reveal how the bones align under the stress of standing. Non-weight-bearing films may understate the deformity.

⚠Not documenting the specific bones involved — identify which tarsal or metatarsal bones are affected, as this helps establish the full extent of the injury.

⚠Failing to describe the impact on employment — the severity levels (moderate, moderately severe, severe) depend heavily on how the condition limits your occupational function. Provide specific examples.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — malunion can cause compensatory gait changes leading to knee, hip, or back problems that should be claimed separately.