Foot Conditions
Diagnostic Codes 5276–5284 • 38 CFR § 4.71a
Common codes include 5276 (acquired flatfoot), 5282 (hammer toe), and 5284 (foot injuries, other). VA generally does not pyramid duplicate foot ratings for the same symptom set—highest evaluation controls.
DC range
5276–84
Foot Ratings at a Glance (2026, veteran alone)
Exact percentages depend on which DC applies—5284 uses severity phrases (moderate → severe). 5276 flatfoot ratings track pronation, pain with use, and deformity. Verify bilateral vs unilateral rows in your decision.
5284 — severe foot injury
$552.47/mo
5284 — moderately severe / 5276 higher tiers (illustrative)
$356.66/mo
5284 moderate / lower 5276 tiers / hammer toe ratings (varies)
$180.42/mo
5276 — pronounced pes planus with specified findings (when met)
$1,132.90/mo
Strategy: Weight-bearing X-rays, podiatry notes, and clear description of limp / inability to stand for prolonged periods support higher 5284 evaluations. For 5276, document objective pes planus with pain on manipulation or spasm.
Other foot injuries are listed in the schedule as DC 5284, “Foot injuries, other.” The criteria page quotes the current § 4.71a text.
Three Compensation Scenarios
Unilateral foot injury — 20% + service-connected knee
A foot rated 20% and a knee rated 20% combine to 36 under 38 CFR § 4.25, which converts to 40% ($795.84/mo for a veteran alone). VA.gov rates effective December 1, 2025; checked October 7, 2026. If the foot and knee are opposite lower extremities and each rating is compensable, § 4.26 can also apply; 36 plus 10 percent of 36 is 39.6, which still converts to 40%.
Bilateral foot pathology (both feet in schedule)
When each foot has a separate compensable rating, the bilateral factor may apply (§ 4.26(a), (c)), unless leaving one foot out produces a higher evaluation (§ 4.26(d)). Major and minor columns are a handedness rule for the upper extremity (§ 4.69). Foot codes such as DC 5284 print a single rating column. Verify combined math with the Rating Calculator.
Foot + ankle + plantar fasciitis stack
Multiple diagnoses may interact—avoid pyramiding duplicate symptoms. Strongest path: pick the highest-schedular foot/ankle picture supported by evidence, then claim distinct secondaries (e.g., knee/back) with nexus.
Rating Breakdown (summary)
| DC | What it covers | Pay examples (vet alone) |
|---|---|---|
| 5284 | Foot injuries, other: moderate 10%, moderately severe 20%, severe 30%; actual loss of use of the foot is rated 40% (38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5284). | $180.42–$552.47+ |
| 5276 | Acquired flatfoot (pes planus)—severity tied to objective findings, pain, spasm. | Up to $1,132.90 |
| 5282 | Hammer toe: 10% for all toes of one foot without claw foot; 0% for single toes (38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5282). | $0–$180.42 |
| 5283 | Malunion / nonunion of tarsal/metatarsal bones—follow schedule degrees. | Varies |
Read verbatim criteria in 38 CFR § 4.71a for each DC—wording controls over summaries.
Evidence Requirements
Weight-bearing imaging
Standing foot/ankle X-rays show arch collapse and arthritis patterns better than non-weight-bearing.
Orthotics trail
Failed conservative care (OTC → custom) supports higher 5284/5276 severity when documented.
Gait & duty impact
Videotaped limp, work restrictions, time-on-feet limits in provider notes.
Podiatry / PT
Objective tenderness, swelling, callus pattern, biomechanical assessment.
Lay statements
Rest breaks at work, inability to ruck, night pain after shifts.
Common Secondary Conditions
🦶 Plantar fasciitis
Commonly discussed5269 • Arch stress from foot posture
🦵 Knee strain
Commonly discussed5260 • Pronation → knee torque
🦴 Hip strain
Sometimes discussed5252 • Gait compensation
🫳 Lumbar strain
Commonly discussed5237 • Antalgic gait
🦿 Ankle strain
Commonly discussed5271 • Coupled hindfoot overload
🧠 Depression
Sometimes discussed9434 • Chronic pain / mobility
Claim Timeline
Records
STR, deployment foot injuries, current podiatry
File
Specify DC theory (5276 vs 5284) in remarks if known
C&P
Emphasize weight-bearing pain; bring brace list
Decision
Check pyramiding—VA should assign highest supported evaluation
Appeal / increase
New imaging if arch collapse progressed
Higher Ratings — Practical Levers
5284 “severe” language
Tie severe functional loss to limp, shortened duty hours, and failed treatment—not pain adjectives alone.
5276 pronounced flatfoot
Highest tier needs the regulatory bundle (marked deformity, pain on manipulation/spasm, etc.)—line up objective findings.
Bilateral documentation
If both feet are involved, ensure each side is addressed—bilateral rows can change monthly pay.
Common Mistakes
Pyramiding confusion
Claiming both 5276 and 5284 for identical symptoms—VA should avoid double payment.
Non-weight-bearing X-ray only
Misses dynamic collapse—ask for standing films.
Vague work impact
Tie symptoms to shifts missed, profile limits, or MOS restrictions.
Ignoring secondaries
Knee/back claims often need a short medical rationale linking gait.
FAQs
▸ Plantar fasciitis vs foot injury?
Different DC families—ensure diagnosis matches evidence. You may have separate ratings if distinct disability (verify pyramiding).
▸ Can boots in service cause pes planus?
Many veterans argue aggravation or onset during heavy load-bearing—personal and medical chronology plus STRs matter.
▸ Secondary to knee?
Yes, if a service-connected knee altered gait and aggravated foot pathology—medical nexus strengthens the chain.
Cross-Links
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.