Metatarsalgia, anterior, unilateral, or bilateral (DC 5279)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Foot Conditions including flatfoot (pes planus)

Metatarsalgia is chronic pain in the ball of your foot, often caused by Morton's disease (a thickening of tissue around nerves between your toes). The VA rates this condition at 10% whether you have it in one foot or both feet. A 10% rating may seem low, but it establishes your foot condition in your VA record and can help if it worsens over time.

Rating levels

  • 10% — Morton's disease is a painful condition affecting the ball of your foot where a nerve between your toes becomes thickened and irritated, causing sharp, burning pain that feels like you're standing on a pebble. This rating applies whether you have this condition in one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral). The VA recognizes this as a ratable disability when you have been diagnosed with this specific type of foot pain that typically gets worse when walking or wearing tight shoes.

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.