Flatfoot, acquired (DC 5276)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Foot Conditions including flatfoot (pes planus)

Acquired flatfoot is when your foot arches collapse after birth (from injury, overuse, or wear and tear during service). The VA rates this condition from 0% to 50% using four severity levels: Pronounced, Severe, Moderate, and Mild. Pronounced is the most severe (marked pronation, extreme sole tenderness, severe Achilles tendon spasm, and no improvement from orthopedic shoes or supports). Severe shows marked deformity, accentuated pain on use, swelling, and characteristic callosities. Moderate covers a weight-bearing line over or inside the great toe with inward bowing of the Achilles tendon and pain on use. Mild is fully relieved by built-up shoes or arch supports. Within the Pronounced and Severe tiers, bilateral (both feet) rates higher than unilateral (one foot). Final ladder: Pronounced bilateral 50%, Pronounced unilateral or Severe bilateral 30%, Severe unilateral 20%, Moderate 10%, Mild 0%.

Rating levels

50% — You qualify for this rating if you have pronounced flatfoot in BOTH feet. Findings must include marked pronation (the foot rolls sharply inward), extreme tenderness across the soles, marked inward displacement, and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon (tendo achillis) when the examiner manipulates the foot. The condition must NOT improve with orthopedic shoes or arch supports.
30% — You qualify for this rating if you have pronounced flatfoot in ONE foot only. Findings must include the same severity as the bilateral 50% tier (marked pronation, extreme sole tenderness, marked inward displacement, severe Achilles spasm on manipulation, and no improvement from orthopedic shoes or supports), but limited to a single foot.
30% — You qualify for this rating if you have severe flatfoot in BOTH feet. Findings must include objective evidence of marked deformity (visible pronation, abduction, or similar misalignment), pain that is accentuated (worse than mild) when the foot is manipulated or used, swelling with use, and characteristic callosities (hardened skin patches caused by abnormal pressure from the deformity).
20% — You qualify for this rating if you have severe flatfoot in ONE foot only. Findings must include the same severity as the bilateral 30% Severe tier (marked deformity, accentuated pain on manipulation and use, swelling with use, and characteristic callosities), but limited to a single foot.
10% — You qualify for this rating if you have moderate flatfoot where your weight falls over or toward the inside of your big toe when standing, your Achilles tendon (the large tendon at the back of your ankle) bows inward, and you experience pain when someone moves your feet or when you use them for walking or standing. This can affect one foot or both feet.
0% — Your flatfoot condition causes only minor symptoms that can be controlled by wearing shoes with built-in arch support or using special inserts. The foot problems don't significantly interfere with your daily activities when you use these simple supportive devices.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.