EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
DC 5276 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5276 |
Pes Planus (Flat Feet) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5276 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5276 across 3 severity tiers (40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis / 20% -- Moderate limitation / 10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Plantar Fasciitis or Knee Pain under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Acquired collapse of the longitudinal arches of the feet causing pain, overpronation, and altered gait mechanics
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis
Severe limitation of motion or ankylosis of the affected joint. Specific percentages depend on the joint and whether dominant/non-dominant.
20% -- Moderate limitation
Moderate limitation of motion with significant functional impairment. DeLuca factors may increase the effective rating.
10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion
Mild limitation of motion, or X-ray evidence of arthritis with painful motion under DC 5003.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (8 MAPPED)
DC
Abnormal arch mechanics strain plantar fascia
DC
Altered lower limb alignment stresses knees
DC
Biomechanical chain affects hips
DC
Postural changes from foot dysfunction
DC
Altered mechanics stress Achilles tendon
DC
Pronation stresses tibial muscles
DC
Abnormal weight distribution on forefoot
DC
Pelvic tilt from poor foot alignment
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026