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Evidence checklist

Hammer Toes

DC 528238 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Podiatric or orthopedic evaluation documenting hammer toe deformitiesCritical

Clinical examination documenting which toes are affected, whether deformities are flexible or rigid, presence of corns/calluses, pain with footwear, and functional limitations. VA rates under DC 5282.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking hammer toes to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your hammer toe deformities to military service, including ill-fitting footwear, prolonged marching, or service-connected flatfoot that altered toe alignment.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Foot X-rays documenting hammer toe deformities

Radiographs confirming the deformity at the proximal interphalangeal joint (hammer toe), middle phalanx (claw toe), or distal phalanx (mallet toe).

VA or private records · written request
Surgical records (if toe correction was performed)

Operative reports and post-operative documentation if surgical correction (arthroplasty, arthrodesis, or tendon release) was performed.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of footwear modifications

Records of extra-depth shoes, toe box stretching, silicone toe caps, or other accommodative measures prescribed.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Foot ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing the number of affected toes, deformity type, flexibility, and functional limitations.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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