Metatarsalgia (Morton's Disease) VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5279 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, specifically around the metatarsal heads where your toes connect to the foot. Morton's disease is a related condition involving a thickened nerve between the metatarsal bones, usually between the third and fourth toes, causing sharp burning pain. Both conditions are common among veterans who spent years running, marching, and standing on hard surfaces in military boots. The repetitive impact and poor cushioning of standard-issue footwear contribute significantly to these conditions.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Unilateral or bilateral anterior metatarsalgia or Morton's disease. This is the only rating level under this code. |
Evidence Needed
- Podiatric or orthopedic records documenting the diagnosis
- Imaging or ultrasound showing metatarsal changes or neuroma
- Records of treatments tried including injections, orthotics, or surgery
- Statements describing the pain pattern and activity limitations
- Service records showing high-impact physical demands on the feet
C&P Exam Tips
- Point out exactly where the pain is located on the ball of your foot
- Describe the burning, shooting, or tingling quality of the pain if present
- Report what activities trigger the pain and how long you can stand or walk
- Mention any numbness between your toes
- Describe all treatments you have tried and their effectiveness
How to File
File under DC 5279 with podiatric records and evidence of the condition. Since this code caps at 10 percent, consider whether you have additional ratable foot conditions. If the metatarsalgia is secondary to another service-connected foot condition, establish that connection in your claim.
Common Mistakes
Not realizing this code maxes at 10 percent — if your foot has multiple conditions, filing them separately may yield more Failing to establish service connection by linking the condition to the physical demands of military duty Not documenting the failure of conservative treatments which supports the severity of the condition Missing the neuroma component if both metatarsalgia and Morton's neuroma are present
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 10 percent rating per foot or total?
DC 5279 provides a single 10 percent rating whether one or both feet are affected. This is why veterans with bilateral foot problems often benefit from filing individual conditions under separate codes rather than relying solely on this one.
What if I had surgery for Morton's neuroma?
If you had surgical removal of a neuroma and still have symptoms, you still qualify under DC 5279. If the surgery resulted in scar tissue or other complications, those may be separately ratable.