Flat Feet (Acquired Pes Planus)
Fallen arches acquired or aggravated in service. Rated 0 to 50 percent based on severity of deformity, pain, and whether orthotics help, with higher percentages when both feet are affected.
How the VA rates it
DC 5276 rates acquired flatfoot on a severity ladder: mild (relieved by arch supports, 0 percent), moderate (pain on use, weight-bearing line over or inside the great toe, 10 percent), severe (marked deformity, pain accentuated on use, swelling, callosities, 20 unilateral / 30 bilateral), and pronounced (marked pronation, extreme tenderness, severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthotics, 30 unilateral / 50 bilateral). Whether one or both feet are involved changes the percentage at the severe and pronounced levels. Note that service entrance exams matter: pre-existing flat feet noted at entry require evidence of aggravation beyond natural progression.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 50%Pronounced bilateral: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
Pronounced unilateral; or severe bilateral (marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, swelling on use, characteristic callosities).
Severe unilateral: marked deformity, accentuated pain on manipulation and use, swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
Moderate, one foot or both: weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, pain on manipulation and use.
Mild: symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Plantar Fasciitis — Fallen arches overload the plantar fascia; this is one of the most commonly granted foot secondaries.
- Limited Motion of the Ankle — Pes planus alters ankle alignment and loading, contributing to degeneration and motion loss.
- Lumbosacral Strain — Poor shock absorption and altered gait from flat feet can aggravate the knees, hips, and low back.
- Hallux Valgus (Bunion) — Pronated flat feet push the great toe outward over time, producing bunions claimed as secondary.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- The tier language is specific: get podiatry notes documenting pronation, Achilles (tendo achillis) alignment, tenderness on manipulation, callosities, and whether orthotics actually relieve symptoms.
- If orthotics do not help, say so clearly and repeatedly in treatment records; 'not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances' is the door to the pronounced tiers.
- If your entrance exam noted flat feet, build the claim around in-service aggravation: compare entry findings to later treatment records showing worsening.
- Both feet matter: bilateral involvement at the severe or pronounced level jumps the rating from 20 to 30, or 30 to 50 percent.
Rating rules to know
The bilateral tiers already account for both feet within a single 5276 rating. Do not double-count the same foot pain under both 5276 and 5269 (plantar fasciitis) or other foot codes; separate ratings need distinct manifestations. Compensable disabilities of both lower extremities trigger the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26) when combined with other ratings.
Related diagnostic codes
More musculoskeletal conditions
Lumbosacral Strain (Low Back Strain)
Chronic strain of the low back muscles and ligaments, one of the most commonly claimed VA disabilities. VA rates it on how far you can bend and move your low back, not on how much it hurts.
Rated up to 100%
Limitation of Knee Flexion
The most commonly rated knee disability: how far you can bend the knee. Ratings run 0 to 30 percent based on measured flexion, with a 10 percent floor for a painful knee under the painful-motion rule.
Rated up to 30%
Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Wear-and-tear arthritis confirmed by X-ray. VA rates it through the motion limits of each affected joint, with a 10 percent floor for a painful arthritic joint even when motion is nearly normal.
Rated up to 20%
Cervical Strain (Neck Strain)
Chronic strain of the neck muscles and ligaments. VA rates it on how far you can move your neck under the same spine formula used for the low back, with neck-specific degree thresholds.
Rated up to 100%
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Wear-and-tear breakdown of the spinal discs and joints, in the low back or neck. VA rates it on measured spinal motion under the same formula used for back and neck strain.
Rated up to 100%
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the tissue band supporting the arch, causing heel and arch pain. VA gave it its own diagnostic code in 2021, rated 10 to 30 percent based mainly on whether treatment provides relief.
Rated up to 40%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.