VA Diagnostic Code 5172Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head:
Rated from 0% to 20% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 20%
One or two
- 0%
Without metatarsal involvement
Amputation of Toes (Other Than the Great Toe), With Removal of Metatarsal Head
Diagnostic Code 5172 · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Musculoskeletal System
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 5172 addresses the amputation of one or more toes other than the great (big) toe, specifically when the amputation involves removal of the metatarsal head. The metatarsals are the long bones in the middle of the foot that connect to each toe. When an amputation reaches into and removes part of this bone structure, it is rated differently than an amputation that does not involve the metatarsal.
This rating falls under the Musculoskeletal System category in the VA's rating schedule.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating under this diagnostic code based on the extent of the amputation:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Amputation of one or two toes (other than the great toe) with removal of the metatarsal head |
| 0% | Amputation without metatarsal involvement |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a claim under Diagnostic Code 5172, the VA focuses on:
- Which toes are involved — this code applies to toes other than the great toe.
- Whether the metatarsal head was removed — this is the key factor that distinguishes the 20% rating from the 0% rating.
- How many toes are affected — the 20% rating applies to amputation of one or two toes with removal of the metatarsal head.
An amputation that does not involve the metatarsal is rated at 0%, while an amputation of one or two toes that does involve removal of the metatarsal head is rated at 20%.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the rating criteria under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5172.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5172. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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