Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Foot Conditions including flatfoot (pes planus)
DC 5283 covers malunion or nonunion of the tarsal or metatarsal bones of the foot. The VA rates it at 10% for moderate, 20% for moderately severe and 30% for severe, and at 40% when there is actual loss of use of the foot (38 CFR 4.71a).
Rating levels
- 40% — Tarsal/metatarsal malunion or nonunion with actual loss of use of the foot is rated 40%, per the note to §4.71a DC 5283.
- 30% — Your foot bones (tarsal bones are in the back/middle of your foot, metatarsal bones run from the middle to your toes) didn't heal properly after a break - either the pieces joined back together incorrectly (malunion) or never joined back together at all (nonunion). The resulting problems with your foot function, pain, or deformity are considered severe, significantly affecting your ability to walk, stand, or bear weight on that foot.
- 20% — You have bones in your foot (tarsal bones are in the back/middle of your foot, metatarsal bones run from your midfoot to your toes) that didn't heal properly after a break - either the bones healed in the wrong position (malunion) or didn't heal together at all (nonunion). The condition causes moderately severe problems with walking, standing, or using your foot, meaning it significantly affects your daily activities but isn't completely disabling.
- 10% — You have a moderate level of problems from bones in your foot that didn't heal properly after a break. The tarsal bones are the small bones in the middle of your foot, and metatarsal bones are the long bones that connect your toes to the middle of your foot. This rating applies when these bones either healed in the wrong position (malunion) or didn't heal together at all (nonunion), causing noticeable pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking, but not severe enough to significantly limit your daily activities.