What is the VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Pes Planus)?

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Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot is flattened, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing.

This condition can lead to significant pain, discomfort, and mobility issues, especially in veterans who often endured physical strain during military service.

If you’re a veteran suffering from flat feet, it’s important to know how the VA evaluates and rates this condition, as well as what steps you can take to receive the compensation you deserve.

In this article from VA disability expert Brian Reese, we’ll cover everything you need to know about VA disability ratings for flat feet, including the diagnostic criteria, rating percentages, and tips for strengthening your claim.

Summary of Key Points

• Flat Feet and Military Service: Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the foot’s arch collapses, often caused by the physical demands of military service, such as prolonged standing, running, or carrying heavy loads.

• VA Disability Ratings for Flat Feet: The VA evaluates flat feet under Diagnostic Code 5276 with ratings ranging from 0% (mild symptoms) to 50% (pronounced symptoms in both feet), based on severity of symptoms and negative impacts to your work, life, and social functioning.

• Secondary Conditions Linked to Flat Feet: Veterans with flat feet may develop secondary conditions such as plantar fasciitis, knee pain, hip or lower back pain, and ankle instability, which may also qualify for VA disability compensation.

• Steps to File a Claim: Key steps include obtaining a diagnosis, documenting symptoms, establishing a service connection, securing a Nexus Letter, and filing a VA claim with supporting evidence of how flat feet impact daily life and work.

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What is Flat Feet (Pes Planus)?

Flat feet is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses or doesn’t develop fully, causing the entire foot to make contact with the ground.

This can occur in one or both feet and may worsen over time if untreated.

For veterans, flat feet can develop due to the physical demands of military service, such as prolonged standing, carrying heavy loads, running, or marching.

Symptoms and Impact of Flat Feet on Veterans

Flat feet can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Foot pain: Often felt in the arch or heel, especially after physical activity.

• Swelling: Common along the inside of the ankle.

• Knee, hip, or back pain: Caused by improper weight distribution and altered gait.

• Difficulty standing or walking: Prolonged activity may lead to pain or fatigue.

• Bunions or calluses: Due to abnormal pressure on certain areas of the foot.

Left untreated, flat feet can severely impact a veteran’s ability to perform everyday tasks, maintain employment, and enjoy a good quality of life.

Causes of Flat Feet in Veterans

The unique physical demands of military service make veterans particularly susceptible to developing flat feet.

Common causes include:

• Overuse injuries: Repeated strain from running, jumping, and marching.

• Carrying heavy gear: Prolonged stress on the feet due to ruck marches or carrying equipment.

• Improper footwear: Wearing poorly fitted or unsupportive boots during service.

• Injuries: Trauma to the feet or ankles, including fractures or ligament tears.

• Service-related conditions: Disorders like plantar fasciitis or arthritis can contribute to flat feet over time.

VA Diagnostic Code (DC) for Flat Feet

The VA rates flat feet under 38 CFR § 4.71a, using 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.

Flat Feet VA Ratings From 0% to 50%

VA disability ratings for flat feet are as follows (with examples):

50% Rating (Bilateral Flat Feet):

The 50% rating is the highest VA rating for flat feet and applies to veterans with pronounced symptoms in both feet that severely impact mobility and daily life.

Symptoms include:

• Extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces (bottom of feet).

• Marked inward displacement of the foot, causing severe misalignment.

• Severe spasms of the Achilles tendon, which persist even with the use of orthopedic shoes or appliances.

Example: A veteran experiences constant, intense pain in both feet that worsens with any weight-bearing activity, such as standing or walking for even a few minutes. They have tried custom orthotics, orthopedic shoes, and physical therapy, but nothing relieves their symptoms. They cannot walk without limping and require assistive devices like a cane to get around.

30% Rating (Unilateral Flat Feet):

The 30% rating applies to pronounced symptoms in one foot.

• The symptoms are similar to the bilateral 50% rating but limited to one foot.

Example: A veteran has extreme pain and tenderness in their right foot, along with significant inward rolling of the ankle (marked inward displacement) and frequent Achilles tendon spasms. Despite wearing custom orthopedic shoes, their symptoms persist, making it difficult to walk long distances or stand for prolonged periods. While their left foot is unaffected, the right foot’s condition significantly limits their mobility and daily activities.

30% Rating (Bilateral Flat Feet):

The 30% rating is also for severe symptoms in both feet that do not meet the threshold for “pronounced.”

Symptoms include:

• Marked deformity, such as excessive pronation (the foot rolling inward) or abduction (foot pointing outward).

• Pain that is accentuated with use or manipulation, such as pressing on the arch or walking.

• Swelling and characteristic callosities (thickened skin due to abnormal pressure).

Example: A veteran reports ongoing pain in both feet that worsens with walking or physical activity. Their feet show visible signs of deformity, such as flattened arches and inward rolling. They also have painful calluses on the bottoms of their feet from uneven weight distribution. Orthopedic shoes or insoles help somewhat, but the pain and swelling persist after extended periods of standing.

20% Rating (Unilateral Flat Feet):

The 20% rating is for severe symptoms in one foot, including:

• Marked deformity (pronation or abduction).

• Pain accentuated by movement or pressure.

• Swelling and callosities.

Example: A veteran has severe pain and swelling in their left foot after minimal activity. Their foot rolls inward significantly (pronation), and they develop calluses on the sole. While their right foot is unaffected, the left foot limits their ability to perform physical tasks, though orthotics and rest offer partial relief.

10% Rating (Moderate Flat Feet):

This rating applies to moderate symptoms in one or both feet.

Symptoms of the 10% rating criteria may include:

• Pain with manipulation (e.g., pressing on the arch) or use (e.g., walking or running).

• Inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, causing visible misalignment.

• Weight-bearing line falling to the medial (inside) edge of the foot, indicating structural imbalance.

Example: A veteran experiences pain in both feet after long periods of standing or walking. Their Achilles tendons bow inward, causing a slight misalignment, but the condition is manageable with orthotics or supportive footwear. While the pain is bothersome, it does not prevent them from performing most daily activities.

0% Rating (Mild Flat Feet):

This rating is for mild symptoms that are completely relieved by arch supports or orthotics.

Symptoms of the 0% rating criteria may include:

• Mild pain

• Symptoms alleviated with the use of built-up shoes, arch supports, or orthotic devices.

Example: A veteran has occasional foot pain after prolonged activity but finds that wearing insoles or supportive footwear eliminates the discomfort. Their symptoms are mild and do not require medical treatment or significantly interfere with their daily life or work.

Secondary Conditions Linked to Flat Feet

Veterans may qualify for secondary service connection to flat feet for a variety of conditions.

Flat feet (pes planus) can contribute to or aggravate the following secondary conditions due to altered weight distribution, misalignment, and compensatory strain on the body:

• Plantar Fasciitis – Chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia, often caused by the lack of arch support.

• Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Syndrome or Osteoarthritis) – Misalignment and improper gait mechanics can place excessive stress on the knees.

• Hip Pain (Trochanteric Bursitis or Osteoarthritis) – Compensatory changes in walking mechanics can lead to strain and inflammation in the hips.

• Lower Back Pain – Misalignment of the spine due to improper posture and gait alterations.

• Ankle Instability or Sprains – Weakened support from flat arches can increase the risk of ankle injuries.

• Bunions or Hammertoes – Abnormal pressure and weight distribution can result in painful foot deformities.

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) – Stress on the lower legs from altered foot biomechanics.

• Achilles Tendonitis – Overstretching or strain on the Achilles tendon due to changes in foot alignment.

• Leg Length Discrepancy (Functional) – Flat feet can create the perception of one leg being longer than the other due to pelvic misalignment.

• Degenerative Joint Disease (Arthritis) – Accelerated wear and tear on joints caused by altered weight distribution and improper gait.

Each of these conditions can result from the biomechanical challenges flat feet impose on the body.

If you’re filing a secondary VA claim for any of these conditions, it’s crucial to provide clear medical evidence and a strong Nexus Letter linking them to your service-connected flat feet.

Tips and Strategies to File a Successful VA Claim for Flat Feet

Here are some expert tips and strategies flat feet VA claims:

• Obtain a Diagnosis: Get a confirmed diagnosis of flat feet from a medical professional. This will often include X-rays or physical examinations. Make sure you have a diagnosis in a medical record before filing your VA claim!

• Establish VA Service Connection: Provide evidence linking your flat feet to military service, such as:
  • Service medical records documenting foot pain or injuries.
  • Lay statements from fellow service members or family about your symptoms during or after service.

• Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of how flat feet affects your daily life, work, and overall functioning. You can write a Statement in Support of a Claim and submit it as evidence of your severity of symptoms.

• Seek a Nexus Letter: A Nexus Letter from a qualified medical provider can establish the connection between your flat feet and service-related activities. This is critical if: (#1) you’ve been out of the military for more than 12 months, (#2) you’re seeking secondary service connection for flat feet, or (#3) you’re attempting to win a previously denied flat feet claim via a Supplemental Claim.

• File Your VA Claim: File your own VA disability claim online or through a VA-accredited representative, such as a VSO.

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

Flat feet (pes planus) are a serious condition that can significantly affect your ability to work and enjoy daily life.

Fortunately, the VA recognizes flat feet under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276 and provides compensation based on the severity of your symptoms, with ratings from 0% to 50%.

If you believe your flat feet are connected to your military service, take action today.

File your claim, provide strong medical evidence, and include any secondary conditions to maximize your VA disability benefits.

As always, remember my mantra: “You served; you deserve.” 

If you need help navigating the claims process, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert guidance.

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