---
title: "DC 5279 - Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral"
diagnostic_code: "5279"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5279-metatarsalgia-anterior-mortons-disease-unilateral-or"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:54:48.355261Z"
---

# DC 5279 - Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral |

# Anterior Metatarsalgia (Morton's Disease) — VA Diagnostic Code 5279

## Understanding This Condition

Anterior metatarsalgia, also known as **Morton's disease**, is a musculoskeletal condition affecting the foot. Under the VA rating schedule, it is evaluated under **Diagnostic Code 5279**, found in **38 CFR § 4.71a**, which covers conditions of the **Musculoskeletal System**.

This condition may affect **one foot (unilateral)** or **both feet (bilateral)**.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA rating schedule provides a single evaluation level for this condition:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **10%** | Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateral |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA evaluates for **anterior metatarsalgia (Morton's disease)** and assigns a **10%** rating. This applies whether the condition affects **one foot** or **both feet**.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5279. It is provided for general informational purposes and is not a prediction of any individual claim outcome.*

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