---
title: "DC 5172 - Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head:"
diagnostic_code: "5172"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5172-toes-other-than-great-amputation-of-with-removal-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:41:53.784127Z"
---

# DC 5172 - Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head:

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a