YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones VA disability rating & claim guide
The VA rates Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones under diagnostic code 5166, in 38 CFR § 4.71a (musculoskeletal system), and the schedule provides a single evaluation under it: 40%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
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01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Plan your preparationTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones
Amputation of the front of the foot at a level above (proximal to) the metatarsal bones, taking more than one-half of the metatarsal length. A transmetatarsal amputation that takes up to half of the metatarsals is a separate, lower-rated code.
Requires operative or imaging records establishing how much of the metatarsal bones was lost. More than one-half of metatarsal loss is evaluated here; up to one-half is evaluated as a transmetatarsal amputation under the code that also covers amputation of all toes.
- Diagnostic code
- 5166
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Schedule levels
- 40%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
There is no higher or lower step inside this code: a rating decision either finds its criteria met or it does not. Where they are not met, 38 CFR § 4.31 assigns a 0% evaluation: service connection granted, at a level that does not pay.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones VA rating criteria (DC 5166)
This condition has one published rating level. Read the criteria, then explore the details and monthly pay.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones?
VA's page says: “You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers.”
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Include physical therapy notes and gait issues
- 02
Submit prescriptions for orthotics or prosthetics
- 03
Show how partial foot loss limits work or physical activity
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind2 tips
- 01
Not including secondary issues like balance or skin breakdown
- 02
Failing to demonstrate limitations beyond appearance
Common filing mistakes2 tips
- 01
Only submitting surgical notes without mobility impact evidence
- 02
Not showing secondary pain, infections, or footwear dependency
When symptoms may first appear2 tips
- 01
Often caused by trauma or diabetic complications
- 02
Ulcers or bone infection can trigger surgical need
THE BROADER PICTURE
Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- Moderate – varies depending on complications and evidence of impairment.
- Veterans service-connected
- ~1,800 veterans
- Typical rating awarded
- ~40%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones
Is Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones under VASRD diagnostic code 5166 (Musculoskeletal System). Amputation of the front of the foot at a level above (proximal to) the metatarsal bones, taking more than one-half of the metatarsal length. A transmetatarsal amputation that takes up to half of the metatarsals is a separate, lower-rated code.
What VA disability rating can I get for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones?
Possible VA ratings for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones are 40%, 0%. The 0% level comes from 38 CFR 4.31, which assigns it wherever no compensable level is met. Examples: 40%: Forefoot, amputation proximal to metatarsal bones (more than one-half of metatarsal loss).
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones at around 40%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,800 veterans are service-connected for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – varies depending on complications and evidence of impairment.
What evidence helps prove Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones claim includes: Operative notes of foot amputation; Podiatry reports and orthotic prescriptions; VA gait analysis or walking tests.
Which DBQ is used for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones?
VA's Amputations Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's page says: "You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers."
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones?
Common pitfalls when filing for Forefoot Amputation, Proximal to the Metatarsal Bones: Only submitting surgical notes without mobility impact evidence; Not showing secondary pain, infections, or footwear dependency.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5166)
- 38 CFR § 4.31, zero percent evaluations
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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