The term injury refers to trauma or damage to some part of the body. In this case injuries to the foot refers to trauma or damage to the foot.

The causes of foot injuries may include: trauma; disease; surgery; congenital anomalies; fractures; and neurologic or muscular conditions.

Signs and symptoms may include: pain; tenderness; weakness; cramping in the foot; crepitus; deformities; decreased range of motion; swelling; calluses; forefoot inversion & eversion; and forefoot abduction & adduction.

Tests may include clinical examination for evidence of signs and symptoms in weight-bearing positions. Other diagnostic measures may include: generalphysical and examinations of nerve and muscle function; arthroscopic examination; laboratory studies; x-ray; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and bone scan, or computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment will depend on the extent of the injury. It may include surgery, orthopedic shoes, splints, or braces.

The residuals will vary depending upon the severity of the injury. Residuals may include: pain; tenderness; weakness; cramping in the foot; crepitus; deformities; decreased range of motion; swelling; and calluses. Fractured toes are common and usually heal without residuals.

• The rating schedule for musculoskeletal was updated on February 7, 2021. Protection still does apply and should be considered with existing evaluations (38 CFR 3.951(a)).

• DC 5284 does not apply to other conditions of the foot specifically listed under 38 CFR 4.71a, DCs 5269 and 5276-5283.

• In cases where a foot injury and either arthritis or another foot disability is involved, consider functional impairment and if it is more advantageous to evaluate the condition under DC 5284 or another DC.

• When multiple foot disabilities are present, but the etiology of the symptoms cannot be separated, assign a single disability evaluation for the predominant symptoms. If the etiology of the symptoms can be delineated, separate disability evaluation may be assigned under multiple DCs for foot disabilities provided that the principles of 38 CFR 4.14 have not been violated.

• Consider entitlement to SMC as an issue in every case where there is a severe degree of disability involving the loss or loss of use of an extremity or sensory organ or any other functional loss providing entitlement to SMC. If SMC is not granted, the reason must be indicated.

• With actual loss of use of a foot, rate 40 percent.