---
title: "DC 5278 - Claw foot (pes cavus), acquired"
diagnostic_code: "5278"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5278-claw-foot-pes-cavus-acquired"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:54:33.856954Z"
---

# DC 5278 - Claw foot (pes cavus), acquired

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity: Bilateral |
| 30% | Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity: Unilateral |
| 30% | All toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle to right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads: Bilateral |
| 20% | All toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle to right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads: Unilateral |
| 10% | Great toe dorsiflexed, some limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle, definite tenderness under metatarsal heads: Bilateral |
| 10% | Great toe dorsiflexed, some limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle, definite tenderness under metatarsal heads: Unilateral |
| 0% | Slight |

# Claw Foot (Pes Cavus), Acquired — VA Disability Rating

**Diagnostic Code 5278 · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Musculoskeletal System**

## Understanding This Condition

Claw foot, medically known as *pes cavus*, is a condition of the foot that appears under the VA's musculoskeletal rating schedule. The "acquired" designation refers to the version of this condition addressed under Diagnostic Code 5278.

The VA rates claw foot based on the severity of specific foot deformities and whether the condition affects one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral). More pronounced deformities and involvement of both feet generally correspond to higher rating levels.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating for acquired claw foot according to the following criteria:

### 50%
- **Bilateral:** Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity

### 30%
- **Unilateral:** Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity
- **Bilateral:** All toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle to right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads

### 20%
- **Unilateral:** All toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle to right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads

### 10%
- **Bilateral:** Great toe dorsiflexed, some limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle, definite tenderness under metatarsal heads
- **Unilateral:** Great toe dorsiflexed, some limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle, definite tenderness under metatarsal heads

### 0%
- **Slight**

## What the VA Looks For

When rating acquired claw foot, the VA evaluates the specific characteristics of the foot deformity described in the rating criteria, including:

- **Contraction of the plantar fascia** and whether it is shortened or markedly contracted
- **Position of the toes** — such as toes tending to dorsiflexion, the great toe being dorsiflexed, or all toes presenting as hammer toes
- **A dropped forefoot** and the presence of **marked varus deformity**
- **Limitation of dorsiflexion at the ankle**, ranging from some limitation up to limitation to a right angle
- **Tenderness under the metatarsal heads**, described as definite or marked
- **Callosities**, particularly very painful ones
- **Whether the condition is unilateral (one foot) or bilateral (both feet)**

The combination of these findings, along with whether one or both feet are involved, determines which rating level applies.

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