EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Flat Feet (Pes Planus) VA Disability Rating
DC 5276 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is rated under DC 5276 based on severity of symptoms. This is one of the few conditions where the rating criteria explicitly describe bilateral involvement. Flat feet commonly develop or worsen during military service due to prolonged standing, marching, and running in boots. The condition frequently leads to secondary conditions including plantar fasciitis, knee problems, hip problems, and lumbar spine conditions through altered biomechanics.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
50% — Pronounced bilateral
Marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
30% — Severe bilateral
Marked deformity (pronation, abduction), accentuated pain on manipulation and use, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. 20% if unilateral.
10% — Moderate bilateral
Weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of Achilles tendon, pain on manipulation and use of feet. 10% whether unilateral or bilateral.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service entrance vs. separation physical showing change in arch height or new flat feet diagnosis
-Boot and orthotics prescription history during service
-X-rays showing loss of arch, hallux valgus, or secondary bony changes
-Documentation of calluses, pain locations, and response to orthotics
-Buddy statements describing difficulty with marching, running, or standing formations
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (5 MAPPED)
DC 5284
Flat feet directly cause plantar fascia overload. Well-established biomechanical relationship.
DC 5003/5257
Altered foot mechanics from flat feet change tibial rotation and knee loading patterns.
DC 5237-5243
Altered gait from flat feet propagates through the kinetic chain to the lumbar spine.
DC 5252-5255
Biomechanical chain: flat feet alter gait, which alters hip loading.
DC 5280
Flat feet cause medial foot pressure leading to hallux valgus development.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Bring your orthotics/inserts to the exam and document that they do NOT fully relieve symptoms.
2.Report bilateral symptoms — bilateral flat feet at the severe level rate 30% vs 20% unilateral.
3.Document the full chain: flat feet caused plantar fasciitis, which caused knee pain, which caused back pain. Each link is a separately ratable secondary.
4.Show calluses, swelling, and describe pain on use of feet at the exam.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Flat feet at 30% (severe bilateral) alone provides $552/mo. The real value is the secondary chain: flat feet + plantar fasciitis (10%) + bilateral knee (10% each + bilateral factor) + lumbar spine (10-20%) can produce a combined rating of 60-70% from one foundational condition.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026