Claiming Metatarsalgia / Ball of Foot Pain?
Create a free account to organize your evidence and download your conditions summary.
VA Rating Tiers
30%
severe
20%
moderate
10%
mild
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Marked metatarsalgia — severe forefoot pain limiting weight-bearing significantly. DC 5284 by analogy.
- ›20%: Moderately severe metatarsalgia — significant forefoot pain with functional impact on walking. DC 5284 by analogy.
- ›10%: Moderate metatarsalgia — recurring forefoot pain limiting prolonged standing or walking. DC 5284 by analogy.
- ›0%: Mild symptoms — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›Rated under DC 5284 (foot, other) by analogy — no specific metatarsalgia DC exists in the VA schedule.
- ›Rating depends on degree of ambulation limitation and functional impairment.
- ›Flat feet (DC 5276), Morton's neuroma (DC 5284), and plantar fasciitis (DC 5284) may coexist and be rated separately.
- ›Document footwear modifications and custom orthotics as evidence of functional limitation.
- ›Actual ratings depend on C&P exam findings and severity of ambulation impairment.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Metatarsalgia is rated under DC 5284 (foot, other) by analogy — no specific VA diagnostic code exists.
- •Rating is based on functional impairment and limitation of ambulation.
- •Common service causes: prolonged marching, rucking, running, and standing on hard concrete surfaces.
- •Flat feet (pes planus) and hallux conditions may worsen metatarsalgia and can be rated separately.
- •Imaging (X-ray, MRI) documents bony changes, stress reactions, and rules out stress fractures.
- •Custom orthotics and insole records document treatment efforts and service nexus of foot overload.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •records of forefoot or metatarsal pain during service
- •sick call records for ball of foot pain during marching or PT
- •records of prolonged marching, rucking, or standing on hard surfaces
- •records of foot conditions or footwear issues during service
Medical Evidence
- •physician or podiatrist evaluation documenting metatarsalgia
- •X-ray of the foot (metatarsal head changes, stress fracture callus)
- •MRI of the foot (bone marrow edema, plantar plate pathology)
- •records of custom orthotic prescription for metatarsalgia
- •physical or occupational therapy records for foot rehabilitation
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing the marching, rucking, and foot-intensive duties that caused ball of foot pain
- •statement describing when forefoot pain first began and its progression
- •buddy statement noting observed foot pain or difficulty marching during service
Diagnostic Tests
- •X-ray of the foot (metatarsal head shape, callus, stress fracture)
- •MRI of the foot (bone marrow edema, plantar plate tear, soft tissue changes)
- •Ultrasound of the forefoot (plantar plate, soft tissue assessment)
- •Gait analysis (foot pressure mapping — identifies overloaded metatarsal heads)
- •Clinical palpation of the metatarsal heads for tenderness
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Musculoskeletal / Foot — Metatarsalgia
Be ready to describe
- •which foot is affected and which part of the ball of the foot is most painful
- •the marching, rucking, or standing demands during service
- •how long you can walk before pain becomes significant
- •whether standard footwear worsens pain and whether orthotics help
- •whether any numbness or burning accompanies the forefoot pain
Prep notes
- •Describe the specific in-service foot demands — mileage, ruck weight, boot type, surface type.
- •Tell the examiner when forefoot pain first started and how it has changed over time.
- •Describe how far you can walk before pain becomes limiting.
- •Bring records of any orthotics, injections, or foot specialist visits.
- •Mention whether flat feet or other foot conditions are also present.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5284
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Foot / Forefoot
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
metatarsalgiaball of foot painmetatarsal painforefoot painmetatarsal stressmetatarsal head painforefootacheforefoot overloadmetatarsal inflammationstone bruisesesamoiditisforefoot syndromecapital metatarsal painmetatarsal overuse
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
📋
Organize your claim
Add Metatarsalgia / Ball of Foot Pain to your claim and answer guided questions to build your evidence package.
Get Started Free