Metatarsalgia (Anterior Metatarsalgia)

DC 5279Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5279

Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, at the metatarsal heads. It is common in veterans who spent years running, marching, and standing on hard surfaces in military boots. The VA provides a single rating level for metatarsalgia based on whether the condition is present and symptomatic.

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 5279

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5279. 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 metatarsalgia causing pain in the ball of your foot when you stand or walk. This is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia, and it covers both unilateral and bilateral involvement.

What the VA looks for

Metatarsalgia diagnosis confirmed on examination
Pain with weightbearing at metatarsal heads documented
Callus formation at metatarsal heads noted
Use of metatarsal pads or custom orthotics documented
Impact on standing and walking tolerance documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not realizing that 10% is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia — if your foot pain is more severe, you may need to claim it under a different or additional diagnostic code such as flatfoot (DC 5276) or other foot injuries (DC 5284).
⚠Not documenting bilateral involvement — the 10% rating covers both feet, so make sure both feet are examined and documented even though the rating is the same.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions that result from metatarsalgia — altered gait from foot pain can cause knee, hip, and back problems that should be filed as secondary claims.
⚠Not connecting the condition to military service — document the years of running, rucking, marching, and standing in military boots that caused or worsened the condition. Boot type and duty requirements matter.
⚠Not requesting custom orthotics through the VA — this creates a treatment record that supports the ongoing nature of the condition and can help with future claims.

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…

Metatarsalgia (Anterior Metatarsalgia)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5279

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have metatarsalgia causing pain in the ball of your foot when you stand or walk. This is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia, and it covers both unilateral and bilateral involvement.

What the VA looks for

Metatarsalgia diagnosis confirmed on examination
Pain with weightbearing at metatarsal heads documented
Callus formation at metatarsal heads noted
Use of metatarsal pads or custom orthotics documented
Impact on standing and walking tolerance documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not realizing that 10% is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia — if your foot pain is more severe, you may need to claim it under a different or additional diagnostic code such as flatfoot (DC 5276) or other foot injuries (DC 5284).

⚠Not documenting bilateral involvement — the 10% rating covers both feet, so make sure both feet are examined and documented even though the rating is the same.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions that result from metatarsalgia — altered gait from foot pain can cause knee, hip, and back problems that should be filed as secondary claims.

⚠Not connecting the condition to military service — document the years of running, rucking, marching, and standing in military boots that caused or worsened the condition. Boot type and duty requirements matter.

⚠Not requesting custom orthotics through the VA — this creates a treatment record that supports the ongoing nature of the condition and can help with future claims.