Foot Injuries, Other VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Foot Injuries, Other

The schedule grades this code by severity alone: moderate residuals rate 10 percent, moderately severe rate 20 percent, and severe rate 30 percent. It defines none of those three words, which is unusual and consequential — there is no measurement to meet, so the evaluation rests entirely on how the examination characterises the residuals of the injury and what they stop the foot from doing. A note to the code adds that with actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40 percent; loss of use of a foot is also rated in its own right under DC 5167. Where a more specific foot code fits the diagnosis — plantar fasciitis (5269), acquired flatfoot (5276), claw foot (5278), metatarsalgia (5279), hallux valgus (5280), hammer toe (5282), or malunion or nonunion of the tarsal or metatarsal bones (5283) — that code is used instead of this one.

Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Foot Injuries, Other. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

• Knee Pain

  Abnormal gait can stress knees

• Back Pain

  Postural shifts due to foot compensation

• Depression

  Chronic pain and loss of mobility

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Foot Injuries, Other is frequently claimed.

Common questions about Foot Injuries, Other

Is Foot Injuries, Other a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Foot Injuries, Other under VASRD diagnostic code 5284 (Musculoskeletal). DC 5284 is the catch-all for foot injuries the schedule does not list separately. It has three evaluations — moderate 10 percent, moderately severe 20 percent, severe 30 percent — and no defining criteria, so the whole case rest…

What VA disability rating can I get for Foot Injuries, Other?

Possible VA ratings for Foot Injuries, Other are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30%: A foot injury whose lasting effects the examiner characterises as severe.; 20%: A foot injury whose lasting effects the examiner characterises as moderately severe.; 10%: A foot injury whose lasting effects the examiner characterises as mod…

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Foot Injuries, Other?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Foot Injuries, Other at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 365,775 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Foot Injuries, Other as of September 30, 2025. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – de…

What evidence helps prove Foot Injuries, Other for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Foot Injuries, Other claim includes: Orthopedic exam showing severity and functional loss; Imaging (X-rays or MRIs) documenting fracture or deformity; Physical therapy records showing limitations in mobility.

What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Foot Injuries, Other?

Common pitfalls when filing for Foot Injuries, Other: Not describing daily limitations or use of supports; No linkage to service or injury documentation; Ignoring how foot condition affects work/life.

What conditions are commonly secondary to Foot Injuries, Other?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Foot Injuries, Other include: Knee Pain, Back Pain, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5284)
2. VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.