This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
- Bilateral pes planus is rated higher than unilateral at every severity level.
- The 50% rating requires that the condition is not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
- Pes planus frequently causes secondary conditions including plantar fasciitis, knee problems, hip problems, and lower back pain.
- Weight-bearing X-rays are essential, non-weight-bearing X-rays may not accurately show the degree of arch collapse.
- If pes planus was noted on the entrance physical, veterans can still claim aggravation if the condition worsened during service.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Pes planus, or flat feet, is a musculoskeletal condition in which the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to contact the ground when standing. It is rated under Diagnostic Code 5276 and is one of the more commonly claimed foot conditions among veterans.
The VA rates pes planus based on severity and whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral. Ratings range from 10% for moderate bilateral or unilateral flat feet to 50% for pronounced bilateral involvement. The higher ratings require objective findings such as marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon that is not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
Pes planus is significant not only for its direct symptoms but also for the secondary conditions it can cause. Collapsed arches alter the biomechanics of the entire lower extremity, potentially leading to plantar fasciitis, knee problems, hip problems, and lower back pain. Each of these secondary conditions can be claimed separately, making pes planus a condition with substantial secondary claim potential.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, pain on manipulation and use of the feet (bilateral or unilateral). |
| 20% | Severe unilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. |
| 30% | Severe bilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. |
| 50% | Pronounced bilateral: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. |
- 10%
Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, pain on manipulation and use of the feet (bilateral or unilateral).
- 20%
Severe unilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
- 30%
Severe bilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
- 50%
Pronounced bilateral: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Weight-bearing X-rays
X-rays of both feet taken while standing, documenting arch height, alignment, and any associated structural changes.
Arch measurements
Clinical measurements of arch height and weight-bearing line position relative to the great toe and Achilles tendon alignment.
Recommended
Custom orthotics records
Documentation of custom orthotic devices prescribed, including whether they provide adequate relief or if the condition persists despite orthotics.
Podiatry treatment records
Records showing diagnosis, treatment history, and progression of the condition over time.
Helpful
Buddy statements
Statements describing observed difficulty with walking, changes in gait, and limitations on standing or physical activities.
Service entry and separation physicals
Comparison of foot examinations at entry and separation to document in-service development or worsening.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Flat Feet (Pes Planus). A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Plantar Fasciitis
DC 5276, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Knee Condition
DC 5260, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Lower Back Pain
DC 5237, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Hip Condition
DC 5252, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.