Claiming Flat Feet (Pes Planus)?
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VA Rating Tiers
30%
pronounced
20%
severe
10%
moderate
0%
mild
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Pronounced flat foot — marked pronation, tenderness, unable to stand for long periods. Rated per foot. DC 5276.
- ›20%: Severe flat foot — marked pronation and tenderness on use. DC 5276.
- ›10%: Moderate flat foot — weight bearing impaired, orthotics do not fully relieve symptoms. DC 5276.
- ›0%: Mild flat foot — symptoms relieved by arch supports — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 5276 (flatfoot, acquired) applies when flat feet were acquired or significantly aggravated during service.
- ›Congenital (pre-existing) flat feet may still be ratable if service caused a clear and measurable aggravation.
- ›Ratings are per foot — both feet may be rated separately.
- ›Bilateral flat feet may qualify for the bilateral factor (adds 10% to the combined bilateral rating).
- ›Flat feet frequently aggravate knees, hips, and lower back — consider secondary claims for those conditions.
- ›Weight-bearing X-rays are the standard evidence — get these done if you haven't already.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •VA rates acquired flat feet under DC 5276 — the condition must be acquired (not congenital) to be service connected, or congenital flat feet must have been aggravated by service.
- •Bilateral flat feet are common — each foot is rated separately and the bilateral factor may apply.
- •Weight-bearing X-rays are the standard diagnostic tool — they show arch collapse under load.
- •Flat feet commonly aggravate knee, hip, and lower back conditions — consider filing as secondary.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call or medical records for foot pain or flat feet during service
- •records of physical training injuries related to feet
- •records of orthotics or insoles prescribed during service
- •separation physical noting foot abnormalities
- •records of duty limitations due to foot problems
Medical Evidence
- •weight-bearing X-rays of both feet showing arch collapse
- •podiatry or orthopedic records documenting pes planus
- •custom orthotic prescriptions
- •primary care records noting flat feet diagnosis
- •physical therapy records
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing foot pain, fatigue, or arch issues during service
- •statement describing how flat feet affect walking, standing, and daily activities
- •buddy statement noting observed foot problems or gait changes during service
Diagnostic Tests
- •weight-bearing X-rays of both feet (AP, lateral, oblique views)
- •gait analysis
- •clinical examination by podiatrist or orthopedist
- •assessment of navicular drop and arch index
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Orthopedic / Podiatry
Be ready to describe
- •when flat feet became symptomatic or worsened during service
- •the physical demands of your MOS that stressed your feet
- •how long you can stand or walk before pain sets in
- •whether orthotics or arch supports provide relief — and how much
- •how flat feet affect your gait and any related knee, hip, or back pain
Prep notes
- •Bring weight-bearing X-rays and podiatry or orthopedic records if you have them.
- •Wear your current footwear to the exam — mention if you use orthotics.
- •Describe how quickly foot fatigue or pain sets in with standing or walking.
- •Walk normally — do not hide your gait pattern.
- •If both feet are affected, make sure both are examined and rated separately.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5276
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Foot/Ankle
- Typical Claim Type
- secondary
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
flat feetpes planusfallen archesflatfootflat footoverpronationlow archesarch collapse
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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