Musculoskeletal · 38 CFR 4.71a · DC 5276
Flat Feet (Pes Planus) VA Disability Rating
Acquired pes planus (flat feet) rates under DC 5276 by severity (mild, moderate, severe, pronounced) and unilateral vs bilateral. Pre-service flat feet require aggravation; in-service onset is direct service connection. Common secondary to military boots, prolonged standing, ruck marches.
Rating criteria
| 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; uni or bilateral. |
| 20% (unilateral) / 30% (bilateral) | Severe, objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. |
| 30% (unilateral) / 50% (bilateral) | Pronounced, marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of tendo Achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. |
Common secondary conditions
Veterans rated for flat feet (pes planus) frequently file secondary-service-connection claims for:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Knee strain (gait alteration)
- Lower back strain
Use the calculator
Once you know the percentage assigned for this condition, plug it into the VA Combined Rating Calculator alongside any other service-connected ratings to see your combined percentage and 2026 monthly compensation.
Source citations
- 38 CFR 4.71a (eCFR)
- VA.gov current monthly compensation rates
- VA Office of General Counsel — Accreditation directory
VetDisabilityCalc is an independent reference site operated by Zoom Lifestyle LLC. We are not VA-accredited and we do not prepare or present VA claims. The information in this guide is reference material based on the cited regulations and is not legal advice. For representation, use the official VA OGC accreditation directory.