Foot Conditions (Including Flatfoot)

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960M-5 (Foot Conditions (Including Flatfoot) DBQ) after examining you. This walkthrough helps you prepare them. The DBQ is a standardized questionnaire; your doctor's answers directly determine your VA rating. Brief them on these specific points before the exam so nothing important is missed or underdocumented.

Common mistakes

• ×Asking your doctor to just "fill out the VA form" without briefing them - an uninformed completion is often generic and leads to lower ratings.
• ×Bringing the DBQ to a provider who has never seen you before - your treating physician who knows your history will write the most credible documentation.
• ×Going to the exam and waiting for the doctor to ask questions - come prepared with specific examples of your worst days and functional limitations.

These are the key clinical questions from the Foot Conditions (Including Flatfoot) DBQ. Help your doctor understand what each question is asking and give them concrete examples for your situation. Print this section and bring it to the appointment. 1. Is there pain on weight-bearing or manipulation of the feet? WHY IT MATTERS: Pain on use is a key criterion for pes planus ratings and other foot condition ratings TIPS: Describe pain with standing, walking, and direct pressure; Note how long you can stand before pain begins 2. Does the Veteran use orthotics, inserts, or special shoes? WHY IT MATTERS: Need for orthotic devices indicates severity and whether conservative treatment helps TIPS: Bring your orthotics or special shoes to the exam; Mention if orthotics help or do not relieve symptoms 3. Is there pronation, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, or characteristic calluses? WHY IT MATTERS: These are specific criteria for higher pes planus ratings (severe and pronounced) TIPS: Point out any calluses to the examiner; Mention if the Achilles tendon bows inward when standing 4. Is the condition bilateral (both feet)? WHY IT MATTERS: Bilateral pes planus is rated on a single scale that accounts for both feet; other foot conditions may be rated per foot TIPS: Report symptoms in both feet even if one is worse; Each condition may be rated separately

Common mistakes

• ×Not mentioning that orthotics do not fully relieve symptoms
• ×Failing to report bilateral symptoms when both feet are affected
• ×Not pointing out characteristic calluses or Achilles tendon changes to the examiner

VA raters use the Foot Conditions (Including Flatfoot) DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. For pes planus: severity level (mild, moderate, severe, pronounced) based on specific clinical findings 2. Pain on weight-bearing and whether it is relieved by orthotics 3. Presence of pronation, inward bowing of Achilles, characteristic calluses 4. Whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral 5. For hallux valgus: whether it has been operated on or is equivalent to amputation of great toe 6. For hammer toes: number of toes affected For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Filing only for flatfoot when plantar fasciitis or other conditions may warrant separate ratings

Authority

• 38 CFR 4.1 - Functional impairment as the basis for rating.

Preparation checklist for the Foot Conditions (Including Flatfoot) DBQ exam: 1. Bring orthotics, inserts, and special shoes to the exam 2. Describe how far you can walk and how long you can stand before foot pain becomes limiting 3. Point out calluses, swelling, or visible deformity to the examiner 4. If you have multiple foot conditions, make sure each one is claimed separately Remember: Describe your WORST days, not your average days. VA raters evaluate the full range of your disability including its worst manifestations.

Common mistakes

• ×Describing your best days or average functioning instead of your worst - VA rates the full range of disability.
• ×Minimizing symptoms out of stoicism or pride - accurate documentation is not exaggeration; it is honesty.
• ×Not mentioning secondary symptoms, side effects, or additional conditions the doctor may not ask about.