VA Disability Rating for Hammer Toes: DC 5282 Guide and 2026 Pay
Quick answer: VA rates hammer toe under Diagnostic Code 5282: 10 percent when all toes on one foot are affected without claw foot, and 0 percent for single toes. A 0 percent rating still establishes service connection, and related foot problems may be rated under other codes.
Hammer toes, where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, can make boots and shoes painful and affect walking and standing. The rating schedule gives hammer toe a narrow scale, so how the condition is documented, and whether other foot conditions are present, can matter a great deal. This guide covers the criteria, related foot codes, and evidence.
What Is the VA Rating for Hammer Toe (DC 5282)?
Hammer toe is rated under Diagnostic Code 5282 in 38 CFR § 4.71a (the musculoskeletal schedule):
| Rating | Criteria (DC 5282) |
|---|---|
| 10% | All toes, unilateral, without claw foot |
| 0% | Single toes |
The schedule does not offer a higher percentage for hammer toe itself. A single affected toe is rated 0 percent (noncompensable). Under 38 CFR § 4.31, where the schedule provides a zero percent rating and the requirements for a compensable one are not met, VA assigns 0 percent. A 0 percent rating still means the condition is service connected.
Why Does a 0% Rating Still Matter?
A service-connected, noncompensable condition does not pay monthly compensation by itself, but it is on record. It can matter if the condition worsens, if it is considered with other foot problems, or when other conditions are claimed as secondary to it. Ask for an increase if your toes get worse; see rating increase tips.
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Get Free Claim Help →Which Other Foot Codes Might Apply?
Hammer toes often occur alongside other foot problems. Depending on the findings, a rater may consider:
| Code | Condition | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 5278 | Claw foot (pes cavus), acquired | Criteria include all toes hammer toes with marked contraction of the plantar fascia, painful callosities, and marked varus deformity: 30% unilateral, 50% bilateral |
| 5276 | Flat foot (pes planus) | See our flat feet guide |
| 5279 | Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease) | 10% |
| 5280 | Hallux valgus (bunion), unilateral | 10% (operated with resection of metatarsal head, or severe if equivalent to amputation of great toe). See bunion guide |
| 5284 | Foot injuries, other | 10% moderate, 20% moderately severe, 30% severe; 40% for actual loss of use of the foot |
VA generally avoids rating the same symptoms twice under different codes, so the examiner's description of which condition causes which symptoms is important. If your hammer toes are part of a broader foot deformity, ask your provider to document it fully.
What About Both Feet?
The 10 percent criteria are described as unilateral. When disabilities affect both legs, 38 CFR § 4.26 provides a bilateral factor: the right and left ratings are combined as usual and 10 percent of that value is added before further combinations. The regulation applies to partial disabilities of both legs, and its definition of legs includes the thigh, leg, and foot. Whether it applies to your toes depends on the ratings VA assigns. See 38 CFR § 4.26 and our combined ratings explainer.
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Get a Free Claim Review →How Do You Establish Service Connection for Hammer Toes?
- Direct: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or condition (for example, foot problems recorded in service treatment records, or heavy marching and boot use documented in your duty history), and a medical opinion linking them. See our nexus letter guide.
- Secondary: hammer toes that result from another service-connected foot or nerve condition, such as flat feet or peripheral neuropathy, may be claimed secondary with a supporting medical opinion. See secondary service connection.
Does Hammer Toe Surgery Affect the Rating?
If surgery on a service-connected condition requires at least one month of convalescence, or leaves severe postoperative residuals, a temporary total (100 percent) rating may be assigned under 38 CFR § 4.30. Keep surgical and discharge records, and report your recovery limits. After the temporary rating ends, VA assigns the appropriate schedular rating.
What Evidence Should You Gather?
- Podiatry or orthopedic records with the diagnosis and which toes are affected
- X-rays or exam findings showing the deformity
- Service treatment records mentioning foot problems or footwear issues
- Notes on pain, calluses, ulceration, and trouble with footwear or prolonged standing
- A medical opinion linking the toes to service or to another service-connected condition
- Your own statement describing daily impact, plus a buddy statement if helpful
At the exam, describe flare-ups and what you cannot do. See our C&P exam guide. Painful motion of a joint is a recognized factor under 38 CFR § 4.59, so report pain with movement and weight-bearing.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates
The 10 percent rating pays $180.42 per month for a veteran alone (effective December 1, 2025, per the VA.gov rates page). A 0 percent rating pays $0 in monthly compensation. Foot ratings combine with other disabilities; try our combined ratings calculator.
| Rating | Monthly (veteran alone) |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 |
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
See the 2026 pay chart for rates with dependents.
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Get a Free Case Review →Frequently Asked Questions
VA rates hammer toe under Diagnostic Code 5282 in 38 CFR 4.71a. The criteria are 10 percent for all toes on one foot without claw foot and 0 percent for single toes.
Not under DC 5282 itself. Other foot conditions, such as claw foot under DC 5278 or other foot injuries under DC 5284, have different criteria and higher possible ratings if their requirements are met.
No monthly compensation is paid at 0 percent. The condition is still service connected, which can matter if it worsens or if related conditions are claimed.
Disabilities of both legs, including the feet, may qualify for the bilateral factor under 38 CFR 4.26, which adds 10 percent of the combined value of the two sides before further combinations. It depends on the ratings assigned.
They may be claimed as secondary to a service-connected foot or nerve condition if a medical opinion supports the link. VA decides each claim on its evidence.
Surgery on a service-connected condition that needs at least one month of convalescence, or that leaves severe postoperative residuals, may support a temporary 100 percent rating under 38 CFR 4.30. VA then assigns the regular rating afterward.
$180.42 for a veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025, according to the VA.gov rates page.