---
title: "DC 5173 - Toes, three or four, amputation of, without metatarsal involvement:"
diagnostic_code: "5173"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5173-toes-three-or-four-amputation-of-without-metatarsal"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:42:14.332852Z"
---

# DC 5173 - Toes, three or four, amputation of, without metatarsal involvement:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 20% | Including great toe |
| 10% | Not including great toe |

# Amputation of Three or Four Toes (Without Metatarsal Involvement)

**VA Diagnostic Code 5173 — Musculoskeletal System (38 CFR § 4.71a)**

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5173 covers the amputation of three or four toes on a foot, in cases where the metatarsal bones (the long bones in the mid-foot that connect to the toes) are **not** involved. This rating applies specifically to the loss of the toes themselves.

The VA assigns a disability rating based on which toes were amputated—particularly whether the great toe (big toe) is among them.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **20%** | Amputation of three or four toes, **including the great toe** |
| **10%** | Amputation of three or four toes, **not including the great toe** |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating under Diagnostic Code 5173, the VA focuses on:

- **The number of toes amputated** — this code applies to the loss of three or four toes.
- **Whether the metatarsal bones are involved** — this code applies only when the amputation is *without* metatarsal involvement.
- **Whether the great toe is included** — the presence or absence of the great toe among the amputated toes determines whether the higher (20%) or lower (10%) rating applies.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5173. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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