VASRD 5110 · Musculoskeletal System
Loss of use of both feet VA Disability Rating
Both feet have lost all effective function. In 38 CFR 4.71a this is DC 5110, "Loss of use of both feet" — one row in the combinations-of-disabilities table, paying a single evaluation of 100 percent. It covers functional loss with the feet still present; anatomical loss of both feet is a separate entry, DC 5107, and one foot alone is DC 5167 at 40 percent.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Neither foot has any effective function left. DC 5110 publishes one evaluation only — 100 percent. |
How the VA Evaluates Loss of use of both feet
DC 5110 is a single row in 38 CFR 4.71a's "combinations of disabilities" table: "Loss of use of both feet" at 100 percent. There is no lower tier under this code. Loss of use is a functional test, not an anatomical one: 4.71a's notes to DC 5283 and DC 5284 direct that "With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40 percent" — that 40 percent is DC 5167, "Foot, loss of use of," and it applies to one foot; DC 5110 is the entry when both feet meet the standard. Where the cause is complete traumatic paralysis, DC 5244 directs: "Paraplegia: Rate under diagnostic code 5110." Anatomical loss of both feet is rated instead under DC 5107.
Approval outlook
Very High
Veterans service-connected
~900 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~100%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Functional assessments evaluating both feet.
- •MRI or CT imaging.
- •Neurological reports documenting the extent of impairment.
Strategy Tips
- •Provide multiple specialist evaluations covering both feet independently, since establishing that both feet meet the functional-loss standard, not just one, is essential for this specific code.
- •Document your use of assistive devices, such as a wheelchair, since this is strong evidence of the severity this rating reflects.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •The condition being misclassified as a partial loss when it should be documented as total loss of use.
- •No documentation of mobility aids in use.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Missing a mobility evaluation covering both feet.
- •No neurologist documentation confirming the extent of the impairment.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition can result from a sudden traumatic event affecting both legs, or from a progressive neurological condition that gradually affects both feet.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Loss of use of both feet. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Loss of use of both feet
- Is Loss of use of both feet a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Loss of use of both feet under VASRD diagnostic code 5110 (Musculoskeletal System). Both feet have lost all effective function. In 38 CFR 4.71a this is DC 5110, "Loss of use of both feet" — one row in the combinations-of-disabilities table, paying a single evaluation of 100 percent. It covers functio…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of use of both feet?
- Possible VA ratings for Loss of use of both feet are 100%. Examples: 100%: Neither foot has any effective function left. DC 5110 publishes one evaluation only — 100 percent..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of use of both feet?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Loss of use of both feet at around 100%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 900 veterans are service-connected for Loss of use of both feet. Estimated approval outlook: Very High.
- What evidence helps prove Loss of use of both feet for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Loss of use of both feet claim includes: Functional assessments evaluating both feet.; MRI or CT imaging.; Neurological reports documenting the extent of impairment..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of use of both feet?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of use of both feet: Missing a mobility evaluation covering both feet.; No neurologist documentation confirming the extent of the impairment..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of use of both feet?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of use of both feet include: Depression, Chronic pain, Skin breakdown. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5110)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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