Foot, loss of use of (DC 5167)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

This diagnostic code covers situations where you've completely lost the use of your foot, even if it's still physically attached to your leg. This could be from severe nerve damage, multiple fractures that never healed properly, or other injuries that left your foot completely non-functional. The VA treats this the same as if your foot was actually amputated, so you'd get the same rating percentage as someone who lost their foot entirely. This typically results in a substantial disability rating since losing the use of a foot significantly impacts your daily life and mobility.

Rating levels

  • 40% — You cannot use your foot at all for normal activities like walking, standing, or balancing, even though the foot is still physically attached to your leg. This means your foot has no functional ability due to severe injury, nerve damage, or other conditions that make it completely useless for weight-bearing or movement, essentially the same as if the foot were amputated.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.