---
title: "DC 5282 - Hammer toe"
diagnostic_code: "5282"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5282-hammer-toe"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T02:55:35.669720Z"
---

# DC 5282 - Hammer toe

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | All toes, unilateral without claw foot |
| 0% | Single toes |

# Hammer Toe (VA Diagnostic Code 5282)

## Understanding Your VA Rating for Hammer Toe

Hammer toe is a condition affecting the **musculoskeletal system**, rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 5282** in **§ 4.71a** of the rating schedule.

### What Is Hammer Toe?

Hammer toe is a foot condition involving the toes. The VA evaluates it based on how many toes are affected and whether the condition involves one foot (unilateral).

### Available Rating Levels

The VA uses a rating "ladder" to assign a disability percentage for hammer toe. Here are the levels defined for this diagnostic code:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **10%** | All toes, unilateral, without claw foot |
| **0%** | Single toes |

### What the VA Looks For

When rating hammer toe under Diagnostic Code 5282, the VA considers:

- **Which toes are affected** — whether the condition involves a single toe or all toes.
- **Whether it is unilateral** — affecting one foot.
- **Whether claw foot is present** — the 10% level specifically applies when the condition affects all toes on one foot *without* claw foot.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5282). It is provided for general educational purposes and describes the rating criteria only.*

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