Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5278: Acquired Claw Foot (Pes Cavus) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 0% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Acquired Claw Foot (Pes Cavus) under diagnostic code 5278 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5278 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight |
| 10% | Great toe dorsiflexed, some limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle, definite tenderness under metatarsal heads, unilateral or 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 |
| 30% | All toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle to right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads, bilateral; or marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity, unilateral |
| 50% | Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity, bilateral |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Pes Cavus (High Arches). The Pes Cavus (High Arches) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5278?
Diagnostic code 5278 is the VA rating schedule entry for Acquired Claw Foot (Pes Cavus), found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5278?
DC 5278 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5278 require?
The 50% rating for Acquired Claw Foot (Pes Cavus) requires: Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity, bilateral.
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