Toe, great, amputation of (DC 5171)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

This covers amputation (surgical removal) of your big toe, which the VA rates based on how much of the toe and foot structure was removed. If just the toe was amputated without affecting the metatarsal head (the ball of your foot behind the toe), you'll receive a 10% rating. If the amputation included removing the metatarsal head, you'll get a 30% rating because this affects your balance and walking ability more significantly.

Rating levels

  • 30% — You qualify for this rating if your big toe was amputated and the surgery also removed the metatarsal head (the rounded end of the long bone in your foot that connects to your big toe). This is a more extensive amputation than just removing the toe itself, since it also involves cutting away part of the foot bone where the toe was attached.
  • 10% — You qualify for this rating if your big toe has been amputated (surgically removed or lost due to injury) but the metatarsal bone (the long bone in your foot that connects to your big toe) is still intact. The amputation must be limited to just the toe itself without involving any part of the foot bone behind it.

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.