Morton's Neuroma (Anterior Metatarsalgia)

DC 5279Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5279

A painful condition caused by a thickened nerve between the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. It feels like standing on a pebble or a fold in your sock. The VA rates anterior metatarsalgia at a maximum of 10 percent per foot.

Rating Levels

You have Morton's neuroma causing pain in the ball of your foot that affects your walking or standing. This is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia, whether it affects one foot or both.

What the VA looks for

Morton's neuroma diagnosis confirmed by examination or imaging
Pain in the ball of the foot (forefoot) affecting walking
Positive Mulder's click or sign on examination
Numbness or tingling between affected toes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that 10 percent is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia — if your condition is more severe, you may need to pursue an extraschedular rating or file under a different diagnostic code for additional foot problems.
⚠Not filing for each foot condition separately — if you have Morton's neuroma along with other foot problems like plantar fasciitis or flat feet, each condition can be rated separately under its own diagnostic code.
⚠Not getting diagnostic imaging — an ultrasound or MRI can confirm the neuroma and document its size, which strengthens your claim even though the rating is straightforward.
⚠Not explaining how the pain affects your daily life — even though the maximum rating is 10 percent, a well-documented impact statement helps if you need to pursue an extraschedular rating.
⚠Not connecting Morton's neuroma to military service — prolonged standing, marching in boots, running on hard surfaces, and wearing ill-fitting military footwear are common causes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Foot Conditions (Including Flatfoot)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Rating Levels

You have Morton's neuroma causing pain in the ball of your foot that affects your walking or standing. This is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia, whether it affects one foot or both.

What the VA looks for

Morton's neuroma diagnosis confirmed by examination or imaging
Pain in the ball of the foot (forefoot) affecting walking
Positive Mulder's click or sign on examination
Numbness or tingling between affected toes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that 10 percent is the maximum schedular rating for metatarsalgia — if your condition is more severe, you may need to pursue an extraschedular rating or file under a different diagnostic code for additional foot problems.

⚠Not filing for each foot condition separately — if you have Morton's neuroma along with other foot problems like plantar fasciitis or flat feet, each condition can be rated separately under its own diagnostic code.

⚠Not getting diagnostic imaging — an ultrasound or MRI can confirm the neuroma and document its size, which strengthens your claim even though the rating is straightforward.

⚠Not explaining how the pain affects your daily life — even though the maximum rating is 10 percent, a well-documented impact statement helps if you need to pursue an extraschedular rating.

⚠Not connecting Morton's neuroma to military service — prolonged standing, marching in boots, running on hard surfaces, and wearing ill-fitting military footwear are common causes.