If you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot, you may be experiencing Morton’s neuroma. This condition can be the result of the high-impact, repetitive physical activity required in military service. This post explains more about the Morton’s neuroma VA rating.
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You change your shoes, adjust your socks, and even look to make sure there isn’t something stuck to the bottom of your foot. There’s no obvious cause, yet it still feels like you’re stepping on a Lego every time you walk. It’s not an issue you’ve always had, but now it seems to be happening more often than not, especially on days when you’re on your feet a lot. It may be worth seeing a doctor to find out whether this issue is related to your military service.
Key Takeaways
- Morton’s neuroma is a damaged nerve in the foot that causes swelling and inflammation. This damage causes sharp, burning pain on the ball of your foot or between your toes, making it difficult to walk.
- The VA rates Morton’s neuroma using diagnostic code 5279 in the Schedule of Ratings for the musculoskeletal system. You can receive no more than a 10% rating for the condition.
- Veterans may be prone to developing Morton’s neuroma due to injuries or repeated physical stress from activities like marching and running during service.
In this article about the Morton’s neuroma VA rating:
What is Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a damaged nerve in the foot that causes swelling and inflammation. This damage causes sharp, burning pain on the ball of your foot or between your toes, making it difficult to walk. It can feel like you’re stepping on something each time you take a step. You may also feel tingling in your foot, like it’s gone to sleep.
The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is unknown, but it’s thought to be the result of pressure on the nerve in your foot, often from doing work or exercise that requires a lot of standing. Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can also worsen the condition.
Veterans may be prone to developing Morton’s neuroma due to injuries or repeated physical stress from activities like marching and running during service.
Sometimes you can lessen the condition’s symptoms by changing your footwear or adding more padding to your shoes. However, left untreated, it’s likely to worsen over time.
Morton’s neuroma VA rating
The VA rates Morton’s neuroma using diagnostic code 5279 in the Schedule of Ratings for the musculoskeletal system. You can receive no more than a 10% rating for the condition, regardless of whether it affects one or both sides of the body. This means the VA’s bilateral factor does not apply for this condition.
Pyramiding and Morton’s neuroma
Some other foot-related conditions may make you more prone to developing Morton’s neuroma. Some of these foot conditions may be service-connected. They include:
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Bunions
- Hammertoe
- Foot injuries
Because many of these conditions have similar or overlapping symptoms, it’s important to understand that the VA’s pyramiding rule will prevent you from getting multiple ratings for the same symptom, even if you have more than one condition causing the symptom.
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Frequently asked questions
The Morton’s neuroma VA rating is determined using diagnostic code 5279 in the Schedule of Ratings for the musculoskeletal system. You can receive no more than a 10% rating for the condition, regardless of whether it affects one or both sides of the body.
Yes, some other foot conditions can cause the same or similar symptoms as Morton’s neuroma, like burning, pain, tingling, and numbness. That’s why it’s important to explain your symptoms, when they come about, and how they’re affecting your ability to function regularly to a doctor and let them determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
