Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head (DC 5172)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

This diagnostic code covers the amputation of toes (not the big toe) where part of the foot bone (metatarsal head) was also removed during surgery. The VA rates this at 20% if you've lost one or two toes with the metatarsal head, or 0% if the metatarsal wasn't involved in the amputation. The rating reflects how the loss affects your balance, mobility, and ability to bear weight on that foot.

Rating levels

  • 20% — You qualify for this rating if you've had one or two of your smaller toes surgically removed (not including your big toe), and the surgery also required removing the metatarsal head (the rounded end of the long bone in your foot that connects to the toe). This applies whether it's one toe or two toes that were amputated with their corresponding metatarsal heads removed.
  • 0% — You lost one or more of your smaller toes (not the big toe) but the foot bones behind the toes (metatarsals) were not affected or removed during the amputation. The amputation only involved the toe itself without any damage or surgical removal of the longer bones in your foot that connect your toes to the rest of your foot.

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.