Diagnostic Code 5280: Hallux Valgus (Bunion) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10%
- Rating levels
- 1
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Hallux Valgus (Bunion) under diagnostic code 5280 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 5280 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Hallux valgus, unilateral: operated with resection of metatarsal head; or severe, if equivalent to amputation of great toe What raters look foroperated with resection of metatarsal head; severe, equivalent to amputation of great toe |
DC 5280 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 758 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5280 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 18.3%, denied 73.9% and sent 7.8% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5280 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Bunions (Hallux Valgus). The Bunions (Hallux Valgus) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Bunions (Hallux Valgus) appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 3,467 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Bunions (Hallux Valgus), 2021 to 2026. The Bunions (Hallux Valgus) condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Bunions (Hallux Valgus) appeals generally rather than DC 5280 specifically. The DC 5280 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5280?
Diagnostic code 5280 is the VA rating schedule entry for Hallux Valgus (Bunion), 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 5280?
DC 5280 provides ratings of 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5280 require?
The 10% rating for Hallux Valgus (Bunion) requires: Hallux valgus, unilateral: operated with resection of metatarsal head; or severe, if equivalent to amputation of great toe.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5280?
In 754 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5280 from 2021 to 2026, 18.0% were granted, 74.1% denied and 7.8% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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