What happens during a C&P exam for Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal)?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal)?

Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal) (DC 5166) is rated at 40% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5166. DC 5166 verbatim — Forefoot, amputation proximal to metatarsal bones (more than one-half of metatarsal loss): 40 percent. Footnote 2: also entitled to SMC under 38 CFR § 3.350. Includes transmetatarsal amputations (Lisfranc / Chopart variants) where more than half of each affected metatarsal is removed.

Q: What rates 40% for Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5166?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5166 (DC 5166), a 40% rating for Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal) requires: DC 5166 verbatim — Forefoot, amputation proximal to metatarsal bones (more than one-half of metatarsal loss): 40 percent. Footnote 2: also entitled to SMC under 38 CFR § 3.350. Includes transmetatarsal amputations (Lisfranc / Chopart variants) where more than half of each affected metatarsal is removed.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal) claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 516638 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5166

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

40–40%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Forefoot Amputation (Transmetatarsal) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5166 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5166 across 1 severity tier (40%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Amputation through the metatarsal bones of the forefoot, requiring specialized footwear and causing significant gait impairment

Rating Criteria

40%

DC 5166 verbatim — Forefoot, amputation proximal to metatarsal bones (more than one-half of metatarsal loss): 40 percent. Footnote 2: also entitled to SMC under 38 CFR § 3.350. Includes transmetatarsal amputations (Lisfranc / Chopart variants) where more than half of each affected metatarsal is removed.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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