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Hammer Toes VA Disability Rating
DC 5282 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Hammer toes (DC 5282) are flexion deformities of the lesser toes (2nd-5th digits), common in veterans from ill-fitting military boots, prolonged marching, and high-impact activity. The maximum rating under DC 5282 is 10% for all toes unilateral without claw foot. Bilateral hammer toes rate each foot separately with bilateral factor applied.
RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)
10% -- All toes, unilateral, without claw foot
All toes of one foot with hammer toe deformity, without associated claw foot (pes cavus). Bilateral involvement rates each foot at 10% separately, with bilateral factor applied. Bilateral combined = 19% before rounding.
0% -- Single toe
Single hammer toe without associated complications. File for service connection to establish the record and protect future effective date if the condition progresses to multiple toes.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-X-ray showing toe deformities
-Podiatry records documenting diagnosis and treatment
-Service records showing boot-related foot complaints
-Surgical records if correction was performed
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 5276/5284
Altered foot mechanics from toe deformities stress the plantar fascia.
DC 5280
Hammer toes and bunions frequently co-occur from boot-related deformity.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Maximum rating is only 10% per foot, but bilateral with other foot conditions builds combined value.
2.Military boots are a recognized cause. Document your boot-wearing history and foot complaints during service.
3.If you also have bunions and plantar fasciitis, each is rated separately.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.71a, DC 5282
All toes unilateral without claw foot = 10%. Single toe = 0%. When actual loss of use of the foot results, rate 40% under DC 5284. Bilateral hammer toes rated each foot separately and combined with bilateral factor.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Hammer toes at 10% per foot are low individually. Combined with bunions (10%), plantar fasciitis (10-50%), and knee/back secondaries, foot conditions become significant.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026