Claw Foot (Pes Cavus)

DC 5278Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5278

A foot condition where the arch of the foot is abnormally high, causing pain, instability, and difficulty with walking. The VA rates pes cavus based on specific physical findings including toe position, ankle motion, plantar fascia tightness, calluses, and deformity severity.

Rating Levels

You have the most severe form of claw foot in both feet: marked contraction of the plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes are hammer toes, very painful calluses, and marked varus deformity. This is the maximum rating for bilateral pes cavus.

What the VA looks for

Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot
All toes hammer toes
Very painful callosities (calluses)
Marked varus deformity (foot turning inward)
Bilateral involvement with severe functional limitation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not having the examiner document every specific finding — the rating criteria for pes cavus are very detailed. Make sure the examiner checks for toe dorsiflexion, ankle dorsiflexion limitation, plantar fascia tightness, metatarsal tenderness, calluses, and varus deformity.
⚠Not claiming both feet — if both feet are affected, the bilateral rating levels are higher. Make sure both feet are examined and documented.
⚠Not describing pain from calluses — the severity of callus pain is a specific rating criterion. Tell the examiner exactly how painful they are and how they affect your ability to walk.
⚠Not connecting pes cavus to military service — ill-fitting boots, prolonged marching, and high-impact training can worsen or cause this condition. Document these activities in your claim.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — pes cavus changes how you walk and can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. Consider filing for these as secondary to your foot condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Foot Conditions (Including Flatfoot)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Claw Foot (Pes Cavus)

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot
All toes hammer toes
Very painful callosities (calluses)
Marked varus deformity (foot turning inward)
Bilateral involvement with severe functional limitation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not having the examiner document every specific finding — the rating criteria for pes cavus are very detailed. Make sure the examiner checks for toe dorsiflexion, ankle dorsiflexion limitation, plantar fascia tightness, metatarsal tenderness, calluses, and varus deformity.

⚠Not claiming both feet — if both feet are affected, the bilateral rating levels are higher. Make sure both feet are examined and documented.

⚠Not describing pain from calluses — the severity of callus pain is a specific rating criterion. Tell the examiner exactly how painful they are and how they affect your ability to walk.

⚠Not connecting pes cavus to military service — ill-fitting boots, prolonged marching, and high-impact training can worsen or cause this condition. Document these activities in your claim.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — pes cavus changes how you walk and can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. Consider filing for these as secondary to your foot condition.