VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Complete Guide to Getting Your Claim Approved

Bottom Line Up Front

Flat feet (pes planus) is rated under Diagnostic Code 5276 with ratings from 0% to 50%. Most veterans receive 10-30% depending on severity. Flat feet is one of the few conditions with specific bilateral ratings (for both feet). The key is proving the condition was aggravated by military service since many people have flat feet before service. Document pain, failed treatments, and functional limitations. Claims typically take 3-6 months.

What Is Pes Planus and How Does Military Service Cause It?

Pes planus (flat feet) is a condition where the arches of the feet are flattened, allowing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing.

Types:

• Flexible flat feet: Arch appears when not bearing weight
• Rigid flat feet: No arch visible even when not bearing weight

Symptoms:

• Pain in heel or arch area
• Swelling along inside of ankle
• Foot fatigue
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Difficulty with prolonged standing or walking
• Back, hip, or knee pain from compensation

Military connection:

Most flat feet cases are pre-existing, so veterans claim aggravation:

• Running on hard surfaces collapsed arches further
• Heavy rucking worsened condition
• Inadequate arch support in military footwear
• Years of marching and standing

Can also be directly caused by:

• Foot/ankle injuries during service
• Posterior tibial tendon injury

VA Rating Criteria

Flat feet is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276:

Rating	Criteria
0%	Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support
10%	Moderate; weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of feet (bilateral or unilateral)
20%	Severe; objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (unilateral)
30%	Severe bilateral; same criteria as 20% but both feet
30%	Pronounced; marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances (unilateral)
50%	Pronounced bilateral; same criteria as 30% pronounced but both feet

Key Rating Factors

• Weight-bearing line: Where your weight falls on your foot
• Tendo achillis: Achilles tendon position
• Pain on manipulation: Pain when foot is examined
• Swelling on use: Feet swell with activity
• Callosities: Calluses from abnormal pressure
• Failed orthotics: Not improved by arch supports/shoes

Evidence You Need

Service Connection Evidence

If claiming aggravation:

• Entrance exam showing flat feet (establishes baseline)
• Service treatment records showing worsening
• Treatment records during service
• Documentation that military activities worsened condition

If claiming direct:

• Evidence feet were normal at entry
• In-service injury causing flat feet
• Diagnosis during service

Current Diagnosis Evidence

• Podiatrist or orthopedist evaluation
• X-rays showing arch collapse, bone alignment
• Gait analysis results

Severity Evidence

• Failed treatments (orthotics, physical therapy)
• Prescription orthotics records
• Documentation of ongoing symptoms

C&P Exam: What to Expect

The examiner will:

1. Check weight-bearing line
2. Assess Achilles tendon position
3. Manipulate feet to check for pain
4. Look for swelling, callosities
5. Review use of orthotics

What to tell them:

• Pain with standing and walking
• Swelling after activity
• All treatments tried and their effectiveness
• Functional limitations

Secondary Conditions

Flat feet can cause:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Knee conditions (misalignment)
• Hip conditions
• Back pain
• Ankle problems

Document these secondary conditions separately.

Personal Statement Template

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Personal Statement for Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

I, [Full Name], submit this statement for flat feet.

Pre-Existing vs. Aggravation: [If pre-existing]: I was aware of mild flat feet before service. However, military service significantly aggravated this condition through [running, rucking, standing].

In-Service Impact:

• Running: [miles, surfaces, frequency]
• Rucking: [weight, distance]
• Standing: [hours, surfaces]

Current Symptoms:

• Pain: [location, severity, when]
• Swelling: [after activity]
• Fatigue: [describe]

Treatment History:

• Orthotics: [prescription vs OTC, effectiveness]
• Physical therapy: [effectiveness]
• Other: [list]

Functional Impact:

• Walking: [distance before pain]
• Standing: [duration before pain]
• Work: [limitations]

I certify these statements are true.

[Signature] [Date]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim flat feet if I had them before service?

Yes. You can claim aggravation—that military service made your flat feet worse beyond natural progression. Document your pre-service baseline and show worsening.

What if orthotics help my flat feet?

If orthotics completely relieve symptoms, you may only get 0%. If orthotics help but don't eliminate symptoms, you can still get a compensable rating.

Can I claim knee or back problems secondary to flat feet?

Yes. Flat feet cause abnormal biomechanics that affect knees, hips, and back. Document these as secondary conditions.

Resources

VA Forms:

• DBQ Foot
• VA Form 21-526EZ

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This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.

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Sources: VA Disability Compensation, 38 CFR Part 4, Veterans Benefits Administration