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.

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 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 →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Morton's Neuroma (Anterior Metatarsalgia) 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 5279

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

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.