EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
DC 5276 | 38 C.F.R. 4.71a, DC 5276 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Pes planus (flat feet) is rated under DC 5276 at 38 C.F.R. 4.71a. Ratings range from 0% to 50% based on severity. The condition is commonly service-connected based on entrance vs separation exams showing worsening, or as aggravated during service. If flat feet were noted on entrance exam, the veteran must show aggravation beyond normal progression per 38 C.F.R. 3.306. Flat feet cause cascading secondary conditions throughout the kinematic chain: plantar fasciitis, knee, hip, and back conditions.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
0% -- Mild: symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support.
Asymptomatic or easily managed with orthotics.
10% -- Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of tendo Achillis, pain on manipulation and use.
Bilateral. Unilateral moderate is also 10%.
30% -- Severe bilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity, accentuated pain on manipulation/use, swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
Significant structural deformity with functional limitations.
50% -- Pronounced bilateral: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo Achillis, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
Most severe rating. Orthotics no longer effective.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-X-rays showing pes planus with degree measurements
-Entrance and separation physicals showing worsening
-Treatment records showing orthotic prescriptions and their effectiveness
-Podiatry records documenting pain, callosities, and structural changes
-Photos of feet showing visible deformity if applicable
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (5 MAPPED)
Plantar FasciitisSTRONG
DC 5284
Flat feet directly cause abnormal stress on the plantar fascia. One of the most commonly granted secondary claims.
Knee ConditionSTRONG
DC 5256-5263
Flat feet alter lower extremity biomechanics, increasing knee joint stress. Well-established kinematic chain.
Hip ConditionMODERATE
DC 5250-5255
Altered gait from flat feet cascades up through the kinematic chain to the hips.
Lumbar SpineMODERATE
DC 5237-5243
Altered biomechanics from flat feet affect pelvic tilt and lumbar spine loading.
Ankle ConditionSTRONG
DC 5270-5274
Flat feet cause excessive pronation leading to ankle instability and degenerative changes.
C&P EXAM TIPS (0)
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026