Flat Feet VA Disability Rating

The VA rates flat feet or pes planus anywhere from 0% to 50% based on the severity of the condition. Here are more details –

Veterans frequently suffer from flat feet, commonly known as Pes Planus. It is a foot malformation in which the foot’s inner arch flattens, forcing the sole of the foot to contact the ground when standing up. 

This illness can emerge later in life and may be impacted or worsened by military service’s severe and frequent physical exercise, meaning you can receive disability benefits for this condition.

Symptoms of Flat Feet

Unlike most other conditions, symptoms of flat feet can be different from person to person. These are the most common signs –

• Discomfort and fatigue in the lower legs or feet when standing or walking for a long period
• Pain or tenderness along the inner side of the foot
• Difficulty making certain motions with the foot
• Swelling in the ankles or feet
• Rolling of the foot inward during running or walking

VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet

VA provides disability ratings for flat feet under Diagnostic Code 5276, and you can receive anywhere between 0% and 50% ratings depending on the severity of the condition. Here is an overview of the ratings you can get for flat feet –

0% Rating – Unilateral & Bilateral 

If you have mild or flexible flat feet and are able to relieve them by using insoles, arch supports, or custom shoes, you may receive a 0% rating. In this case, you will not receive VA disability compensation but can get healthcare benefits.

10% Rating – Unilateral & Bilateral 

You may receive a 10% VA rating if you experience moderate symptoms like these –

• When standing, your weight does not evenly distribute across your entire foot. Instead, you feel the weight mostly towards the middle of your foot or closer to the big toe. This is often called the “weigh-bearing line over or medial to the great toe.”
• Your Achilles tendon is curved inwards instead of being straight – that’s the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
• You feel pain when moving your heel.

20% Rating – Unilateral

You may receive a 20% VA rating for flat feet if you experience symptoms like these –

• There are visible signs of significant deformity in the foot due to flat feet – such as pronation (inward tipping or rolling of the arch and ankle) or abduction (movement of the foot and ankle away from the body).
• Pain or discomfort worsens when using your feet.
• You experience swelling in your feet after walking or doing any sort of physical activity.
• Due to flat feet, you may have developed callosities, which are thickened and yellowish skin.

30% Rating – Unilateral

In case of a severe condition of unilateral flat feet, you need to meet the following criteria for getting a 30% disability rating from the VA –

• Significant pronation or inward tipping or rolling of the arch and ankle
• A sensitive and tender feeling on the bottom of your foot while standing
• Significant inward displacement of the Achilles tender and extreme muscle spasms when manipulated
• Not getting help from the use of orthopedic shoes

30% Rating – Bilateral

In case of a severe condition of bilateral flat feet, you need to meet the following criteria for getting a 30% disability rating from the VA –

• Clearly visible signs of deformity, such as pronation and abduction 
• Extreme pain on manipulation of the feet
• Cllosities development on the skin

50% Rating – Bilateral

In case of a severe condition of bilateral flat feet, you need to meet the following criteria for getting a 50% disability rating from the VA –

• Significant pronation or inward tipping or rolling of the arch and ankle
• Extremely sensitive and tender feeling on the bottom of your foot while standing
• Significant inward displacement of the Achilles tender and extreme muscle spasms when manipulated
• Not getting help from the use of orthopedic shoes or appliances

Conclusion

In the case of flat feet, the highest disability rating provided by the VA is 50%. However, getting this rating may be more complicated when applying the claim. If you want to ensure the highest benefits for this condition, VA Disability Coach can help you create a strong claim.