VA Disability for Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Ratings, Evidence & Secondary Conditions

How the VA rates Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Flat Feet (Pes Planus) is rated under 38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276 (ratings of 10%–50%). Each criterion below is transcribed verbatim from the VA rating schedule and verified against the regulation (eCFR / Cornell LII) — never paraphrased.

• 10%

  Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of the feet (bilateral or unilateral).

• 20%

  Severe (unilateral): objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities.

• 30%

  Severe (bilateral): marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, swelling on use, characteristic callosities; OR pronounced (unilateral): marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.

• 50%

  Pronounced (bilateral): marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.

Common conditions secondary to Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Veterans routinely under-claim because they don't know a secondary condition exists. These are commonly claimed as secondary to service-connected Flat Feet (Pes Planus) — each is a candidate to raise with your provider, not an automatic grant, and each needs a medical nexus opinion.

• Plantar fasciitis

  Flat feet (pes planus) commonly lead to plantar fasciitis and other foot/ankle/knee strain through altered biomechanics — a recognized secondary chain.

• Knee or hip condition (altered gait / overuse)

  Painful flat feet / plantar fasciitis alter gait and load the knees and hips, a recognized biomechanical secondary chain; raise with a provider and claim with a nexus opinion.

Evidence the VA looks for

A strong Flat Feet (Pes Planus) claim ties a current diagnosis to your service with a medical nexus. The records that move a Flat Feet (Pes Planus) claim, in priority order:

• A current diagnosis of acquired pes planus (flatfoot), bilateral or unilateral
• An exam documenting the severity — pain on manipulation and use, swelling, callosities, pronation, and whether it improves with orthopedic shoes or appliances (these set the rating level)
• Records of in-service foot complaints, marching, or footwear issues, and any continuity of symptoms since service
• A nexus opinion tying the flat feet to service
• Evidence of any secondary plantar fasciitis or knee/hip strain from altered gait — separately ratable

The C&P exam & the nexus

For most Flat Feet (Pes Planus) claims the VA schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. The examiner measures the things the rating schedule turns on and gives a medical opinion on whether your Flat Feet (Pes Planus) is at least as likely as not connected to your service (the “nexus”). Knowing what the examiner will assess — and bringing the evidence above — is the single biggest thing you control. Prepare for the exam and check that your records support a nexus before you file.

Flat Feet (Pes Planus) VA disability: frequently asked questions

How does the VA rate flat feet (pes planus)?

Flat feet are rated under 38 CFR 4.71a (Diagnostic Code 5276) from 0% (mild) up to 50% (pronounced, bilateral), based on the severity of the deformity, the pain on use, and whether one or both feet are affected. The ladder on this page lists each level.

What's the difference between unilateral and bilateral flat feet ratings?

The schedule rates one-foot (unilateral) and both-feet (bilateral) flatfoot at different levels — the bilateral presentation generally rates higher at the 'severe' and 'pronounced' tiers. Bilateral foot conditions may also trigger the §4.26 bilateral factor when combined.

What conditions are secondary to flat feet?

Painful flat feet alter your gait and commonly contribute to plantar fasciitis and to knee or hip conditions through overuse — a recognized biomechanical secondary chain. Each secondary needs a nexus opinion.

Do flat feet have to be 'acquired' to be service-connected?

Flat feet that existed before service can still be service-connected if service aggravated them beyond their natural progression. Either way, the VA looks at your in-service records and current severity, and it makes the final decision.