Claw foot (pes cavus), acquired DC 5278
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5278 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Legs & feet.
Also searched as: pes cavus, high arches.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 5 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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