Flat Feet VA C&P Exam: What to Expect and How to Prepare

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In this article, VA disability expert Brian Reese explains what to expect and how to prepare for a VA C&P exam for flat feet.

After you’ve filed a VA claim for flat feet, you’ll likely be scheduled for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam by a private company contracted by the VA.

Flat feet is a very common condition among military veterans, often caused or worsened by the physical demands of military service such as prolonged standing, carrying heavy loads, and extensive marching or running.

According to our data, pes planus (flat feet) is the #19 most claimed VA disability of the top 50 most common VA claims.

Pro Tip: The VA rates flat feet (pes planus) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, from 0% to 50% with breaks at 10%, 20%, and 30%, depending on unilateral (one foot) vs bilateral (both feet), the severity of symptoms, whether there is any relief from built-up shoes, arch supports, or orthotic devices, and negative impacts to your work, life, and social functioning.

Summary of Key Points

• Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans: Flat feet is a common condition among military veterans due to the physical demands of service, such as prolonged standing, marching, and carrying heavy loads. It is the #19 most claimed VA disability on the list of top 50 most common VA claims (according to our data).

• VA Ratings for Flat Feet: The VA rates flat feet from 0% to 50% with breaks at 10%, 20%, and 30%, based on whether the condition is unilateral (one foot) or bilateral (both feet) and the severity of symptoms. The more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating you’ll receive for pes planus.

• What to Expect During a Flat Feet C&P Exam: During the C&P exam, the examiner will assess your medical history, the onset of your flat feet, and its impact on your daily life and work. The evaluation will include a physical examination, symptom discussion, and possibly imaging tests to confirm the severity and functional limitations caused by the condition.

• Tips to Prepare for a Flat Feet C&P Exam: Preparation is key. Veterans should gather medical records, maintain a detailed symptoms diary, document functional impacts, and familiarize themselves with the DBQ for foot conditions. Providing clear examples and evidence of how flat feet affect daily life and work is crucial to building a strong claim.

What to Expect at a C&P Exam for Flat Feet

A C&P exam for flat feet is designed to assess whether (#1) you have the condition diagnosed, (#2) if there is a “nexus” for service connection (meaning your flat feet was caused or made worse by your military service or by another service connected disability for secondary service connection), and (#3) the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration along with any negative impacts to your work, life, and social functioning.

Here’s what you can expect during a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for flat feet:

• Review of Medical History: The examiner will start by reviewing your medical records related to flat feet (pes planus). This includes prior diagnoses, treatments, and the results of those treatments. Ensure the VA has access to all relevant records before the exam, but you can bring any additional documentation that may strengthen your case.

• History and Onset Discussion: The examiner will ask about your military service, focusing on physical activities or incidents that may have caused or worsened your flat feet. Activities like prolonged standing, carrying heavy loads, running, or marching during service are commonly considered contributing factors.

• Description of Symptoms: You’ll need to describe your symptoms, including their onset, frequency, severity, and triggers (e.g., walking, standing, or other physical activities). Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, difficulty walking, or stiffness that worsens with activity or prolonged standing.

• Impact on Work, Life, and Social Functioning: The examiner will assess how your flat feet affect your daily life, including your ability to work, perform basic tasks, and engage in social or physical activities. For instance, difficulty standing for long periods or walking could impact your job or personal life significantly.

• Physical Examination of Your Feet: The examiner will check for flat feet symptoms like arch collapse, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, tenderness in the foot, and abnormal gait. They may also evaluate for swelling, calluses, and how your symptoms change with movement. Walking tests may be performed to observe any limping or other gait abnormalities.

• Imaging Tests: If necessary, the examiner may order X-rays or other imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions like fractures or bone spurs. Imaging can also reveal structural deformities and the severity of the condition.

• Completion of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for Foot Conditions: After assessing your condition, the examiner will fill out a DBQ for foot conditions including flat feet (pes planus), noting the findings, the severity of your condition, and its impact on your life. This questionnaire will be submitted to the VA Rater who will use it to determine the eligibility and rate of your disability claim.

Questions You Might Get Asked at a Flat Feet VA C&P Exam

Here’s a list of questions from the DBQ for foot conditions, including flat feet, that veterans can expect to be asked during their C&P exam:

SECTION I – DIAGNOSIS

• What is your current diagnosis for your foot condition?

• Do you have flat feet in one or both feet? If yes, how severe is the condition?

• When were you first diagnosed with flat feet?

SECTION II – MEDICAL HISTORY

• Can you describe the history of your flat feet, including how and when it started?

• Do you experience pain in your feet due to flat feet? If yes, how would you describe the pain?

• Have your symptoms worsened over time? If so, what changes have you noticed?

• Have you experienced any functional loss or impairment because of flat feet? Can you provide examples?

SECTION III – SYMPTOMS OF FLAT FEET

• Do you have pain or tenderness in the arches or soles of your feet?

• Do you experience swelling, calluses, or other symptoms related to flat feet?

• Does your condition worsen with standing, walking, or other physical activity?

• Have you noticed issues with balance, walking, or your gait due to flat feet?

SECTION IV – TREATMENTS FOR FLAT FEET

• Have you tried non-surgical treatments like orthotics, arch supports, or physical therapy? Were they effective?

• Have you undergone surgical treatment for flat feet? If yes, describe the procedure and its results.

• Were you recommended for surgery but found not to be a suitable candidate?

SECTION V – FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT

• How does flat feet impact your ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities?

• Have you experienced difficulty at work or in social situations due to your foot condition?

• During flare-ups or after prolonged use, how does your functional ability change?

SECTION VI – PAIN AND DISCOMFORT

• Do you experience pain during physical exams of your feet?

• Does this pain contribute to functional loss or affect your daily life?

• How would you describe the intensity and frequency of the pain in your feet?

SECTION VII – OTHER FOOT CONDITIONS

• Are there any additional diagnosed foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, bunions, or metatarsalgia?

• How do these conditions interact with or worsen your flat feet?

SECTION VIII – SURGICAL HISTORY

• Have you had any surgical procedures related to your flat feet or other foot conditions? If yes, specify the type, side affected, and date of surgery.

• Are there any residual symptoms or limitations from the surgery?

SECTION IX – DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

• Have you had imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds) performed for your flat feet? If so, what were the findings?

• How do these test results support the diagnosis of flat feet?

SECTION X – FUNCTIONAL IMPACT

• How does flat feet impact your ability to work or maintain employment?

• Are there specific work-related tasks or physical activities that are difficult or impossible due to your condition?

Examples of Work, Life, and Functional Impacts of Flat Feet

Flat feet, or pes planus, can significantly impact a veteran’s ability to work, perform daily activities, and maintain overall function.

Below are examples of how flat feet can affect these areas:

Work Impacts

• Reduced Mobility: Jobs requiring prolonged standing, walking, or physical exertion—such as in healthcare, retail, or construction—can become difficult as flat feet cause pain and fatigue, reducing a veteran’s ability to perform effectively.

• Increased Absenteeism: Persistent foot pain may lead to time off work for rest, recovery, or medical appointments, impacting job attendance and reliability.

• Decreased Productivity: Pain and discomfort from flat feet can distract veterans from tasks, reducing their efficiency and overall work performance.

Life Impacts

• Daily Activities: Everyday tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning, or playing with children can become painful and exhausting due to discomfort in the feet.

• Exercise Limitations: Activities like running, hiking, or even walking long distances may need to be avoided or heavily modified, impacting physical fitness and mental health.

• Social Limitations: Pain and fatigue can deter veterans from attending social gatherings or participating in recreational activities, affecting relationships and quality of life.

Functional Impacts

• Mobility Impairment: Flat feet can reduce flexibility and mobility in the foot, making walking or even standing for short periods painful.

• Alterations in Gait: Veterans with flat feet may develop an altered walking pattern to reduce pain, which can lead to secondary issues such as knee, hip, or lower back problems.

• Chronic Pain Cycle: If left untreated, flat feet can create a continuous cycle of pain and inflammation, further limiting functional ability and quality of life.

Tips to Help You Prepare for Your VA C&P Exam for Flat Feet

Preparing for your VA C&P exam is crucial to ensure the examiner fully understands the severity of your flat feet condition and its impact on your daily life.

Here’s how to make the most of exam day:

#1. Gather Medical Records and Evidence

• Collect all relevant medical records, including diagnoses, treatment histories, and prescriptions related to your flat feet.

• Bring documentation of any non-surgical treatments (e.g., orthotics, physical therapy) or surgical procedures.

• If you’ve seen private doctors or VA specialists, ensure their reports are included. These records are vital in supporting your claim.

#2. Keep a Symptoms Diary

Maintain a detailed log of your flat feet symptoms, noting:

• Frequency: How often the symptoms occur.

• Severity: The intensity of pain or discomfort.

• Triggers: Activities or conditions that worsen your symptoms (e.g., standing, walking, carrying weight).

• Whether you receive any relief from built-up shoes, arch supports, or orthotic devices.

Include specific examples, such as how your flat feet impact your ability to work, walk, or perform daily activities. This diary helps demonstrate the functional limitations caused by your condition.

#3. Take Photos and Document Flare-Ups

Take clear photos of your feet during flare-ups, showing:

• Arch collapse.

• Swelling, redness, or calluses.

• Visible signs of deformity, such as inward bowing of the Achilles tendon or excessive pronation.

Pro Tip: Ever heard the phrase “a picture is worth 1,000 words?” Using VA.gov, you should upload pictures of your flat feet for the C&P examiner and VA Rater. It’s one of the most effective ways to prove your flat feet to the VA as well as your current severity of symptoms.

#4. Document Functional Impacts

List specific ways your flat feet affect your daily functioning, such as:

• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods.

• Pain during routine activities like climbing stairs or exercising.

• Changes in gait or posture that lead to secondary pain in your knees, hips, or back.

Share how these limitations impact your ability to work or enjoy daily life.

#5. Familiarize Yourself with the DBQ for Foot Conditions

Review the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for foot conditions ahead of time.

Focus on sections related to flat feet, including:

• The history and onset of your condition.

• Treatments you’ve tried and their effectiveness.

• Current severity of symptoms and functional loss.

Be prepared to answer questions thoroughly and provide examples of how flat feet impact your quality of life.

DBQ for Pes Planus (Flat Feet) [Download]

The examiner will follow the sections and questions of the electronic DBQ for Foot Conditions, including flat feet, to evaluate the severity of disability caused by your heel pain.

We’ve made a copy available for review and download below:

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