★ Musculoskeletal
Hallux Valgus (Bunions) VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5280
Overview
DC 5280 has only two evaluation levels: 0% or 10%.
Post-operative residuals, painful scars, and altered gait may justify additional ratings under different codes.
Footwear modifications and pain on weight-bearing are documented.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: documented in-service onset or aggravation due to military footwear/marching.
- Secondary to flat feet or altered gait from a service-connected lower-extremity condition.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5280
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Mild hallux valgus. |
| 10% | Severe (equivalent to amputation of great toe) or operated with resection of metatarsal head. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Podiatry notes and X-ray.
- Operative report (if surgical).
- Documentation of pain on weight-bearing and footwear adaptations.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Hallux Valgus (Bunions):
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Hallux Valgus (Bunions) claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.