VA Rating for Flat Feet: Understanding Disability Compensation Benefits in 2025

Living with flat feet can affect your quality of life, especially for veterans who developed this condition during service. Understanding how the VA rates flat feet is crucial for those seeking disability compensation.

VA disability ratings for flat feet range from 0% to 50%, depending on the severity and whether one or both feet are affected. Higher ratings are given when symptoms include pain, swelling, characteristic callosities, and marked deformity. The 50% rating is reserved for the most severe bilateral cases with extreme tenderness and pronounced pronation when there is also severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, and the condition is not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances

Veterans with flat feet may qualify for compensation if their condition was caused or worsened by military service. The VA rating system for flat feet considers how symptoms impact daily activities and mobility, with different percentages assigned based on specific criteria documented in medical examinations.

What Is Flat Feet in Veterans

Flat feet, or pes planus, affects many veterans due to the physical demands of military service. This condition can range from mild discomfort to severe disability depending on its progression and individual circumstances.

Definition of Flat Feet

Flat feet in veterans refers to a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This medical condition is clinically known as pes planus. In normal feet, the inner middle part of the foot has an arch that provides spring and distributes body weight. Veterans with flat feet lack this natural arch.

The condition can be categorized as:

• Flexible flat feet: The arch appears when the foot is elevated but flattens when standing
• Rigid flat feet: The arch is absent regardless of foot position
• Acquired flat feet: Develops over time due to injury or wear
• Congenital flat feet: Present from birth

Many veterans develop flat feet during service due to prolonged standing, marching, and carrying heavy loads.

Common Symptoms

Veterans with flat feet often experience a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily activities. Pain is typically the most common complaint, usually occurring in the arch area, heel, or ankle.

Key symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness along the inside of the foot
• Swelling along the inner ankle and arch
• Foot fatigue after standing or walking for extended periods
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Outward tilting of the heel
• Shin splints (pain along the shin bone)

More severe cases may present with:

• Pronounced pronation (inward rolling of the feet)
• Calluses on the inside edge of the feet
• Restricted foot movement
• Pain in knees, hips, or lower back due to altered gait

Veterans may notice that symptoms worsen after physical activity or while wearing standard-issue military boots.

Causes of Flat Feet

Multiple factors contribute to flat feet development in veterans, often related to their military service conditions. The rigorous physical demands of military training and deployments play a significant role.

Primary causes include:

• Repetitive stress from rucking, marching, and standing watch
• Carrying heavy gear for extended periods
• Injuries to tendons (particularly the posterior tibial tendon)
• Traumatic foot injuries during service
• Improper footwear during training or deployment

Risk factors that increase vulnerability include:

• Obesity (extra weight puts pressure on foot tendons)
• Diabetes (weakens supporting structures)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (causes joint deterioration)
• Age-related wear and tear
• Genetic predisposition

The condition often progresses over time, especially if veterans continue high-impact activities without proper support or treatment.

VA Rating Criteria for Flat Feet

The Department of Veterans Affairs uses specific criteria to evaluate flat feet (pes planus) and assign disability ratings. These ratings determine compensation levels based on pain severity, functional limitations, and whether one or both feet are affected.

Overview of the VA Rating Schedule

The VA rates flat feet under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276. Ratings range from 0% to 50% depending on symptom severity and impact on daily functioning.

A 0% rating may be assigned when symptoms are mild and relieved by arch support or orthotics. This rating acknowledges the condition but provides no monetary compensation.

A 10% rating typically applies when symptoms are moderate with pain during prolonged standing or walking, and when weight-bearing line is moved inward.

For higher ratings (30-50%), the VA looks for:

• Severe pronation (foot rolling inward)
• Pain on manipulation and use
• Swelling on use
• Characteristic callosities (thickened skin)

Mild, Moderate, and Severe Ratings

Mild (0%): Symptoms are relieved by arch supports or prescription footwear. The veteran experiences minimal pain and can function normally in most activities.

Moderate (10%): Pain occurs during prolonged standing or walking. The weight-bearing line moves inward, and there may be inward bowing of the Achilles tendon. There is usually pain on manipulation. A single 10% is applied whether the moderate symptoms are on one foot or both.

Severe (20-30%): Veterans experience marked deformity, pain on manipulation, swelling, and characteristic callosities. Daily activities become significantly limited due to foot pain. A 20% rating is assigned for severe symptoms in one foot, and if both feet are severe (bilateral) VA assigns 30%.

Pronounced (30-50%): The highest rating available requires extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked pronation, and inward displacement of the Achilles tendon. Orthotics typically provide little to no relief at this severity level. Again, the 30% is for unilateral, and 50% when both feet are pronounced.

Bilateral Versus Unilateral Ratings

The VA assigns different ratings based on whether flat feet affect one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral).

For bilateral flat feet (affecting both feet):

• Moderate: 10%
• Severe: 30%
• Pronounced: 50%

For unilateral flat feet (affecting only one foot):

• Moderate: 10%
• Severe: 20%
• Pronounced: 30%

Veterans with unilateral pes planus receive lower ratings because the functional impact is typically less severe when only one foot is affected.

The bilateral versus unilateral distinction is crucial for determining proper compensation and recognizing the increased difficulty veterans face when both feet are impacted.

How the VA Evaluates Flat Feet Claims

The VA follows specific procedures when evaluating disability claims for flat feet (pes planus). Understanding these evaluation processes helps veterans prepare stronger claims and receive appropriate compensation for their condition.

Required Medical Evidence

When filing a claim for flat feet, the VA requires comprehensive medical documentation to establish both the condition and its severity. Your claim should include:

• Medical diagnosis of pes planus from a qualified healthcare provider
• Treatment records showing the progression and management of your condition
• X-rays or imaging studies confirming the anatomical flat foot condition
• Documentation of symptoms including pain, swelling, and functional limitations

The evidence must clearly connect your flat feet to military service, whether the condition developed during service or was aggravated by service activities. Flat feet VA disability ratings range from 0% to 50%, depending on severity.

Personal statements describing how flat feet impact your daily activities and work capabilities strengthen your claim. Be specific about limitations like standing or walking restrictions.

C&P Exam Process

The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a critical step in the VA’s evaluation process for flat feet claims. After filing your claim, the VA schedules this examination with a VA doctor or contracted physician.

During the exam, the doctor will:

1. Review your medical history and service records
2. Physically examine your feet, noting deformities, pain points, and calluses
3. Assess your gait and mobility limitations
4. Evaluate symptoms like swelling, tenderness, and pronation

The examiner uses specific rating criteria outlined in 38 C.F.R § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276. They’ll determine if your condition is mild, moderate, severe, or pronounced.

Be honest about your symptoms and don’t minimize your pain or functional limitations. The examiner’s report significantly influences your rating decision.

Importance of a Nexus Letter

A nexus letter is a specialized medical document that establishes the critical connection between your flat feet condition and military service. This document can substantially strengthen your VA claim.

Key components of an effective nexus letter:

• Written by a qualified medical professional familiar with your condition
• Contains specific language connecting your flat feet to military service
• References your medical history and relevant service records
• Explains the medical rationale behind the connection using clear terminology
• Describes how the condition impacts your functionality using VA rating language

For maximum effectiveness, ensure your doctor uses phrases like “at least as likely as not” or “more likely than not” when describing the service connection. This language aligns with the VA’s standard of proof.

Veterans with bilateral (both feet) flat feet can receive ratings up to 50%, while unilateral cases max at 30%.

Service Connection for Flat Feet

Veterans seeking disability benefits for flat feet (pes planus) must establish a service connection to qualify for VA compensation. This requires proving the condition developed during military service or was aggravated by service-related activities.

Demonstrating In-Service Onset

To prove in-service onset, veterans need medical evidence showing flat feet developed during active duty. Your service medical records are crucial here. The most compelling evidence includes:

• Documented diagnosis in service treatment records
• Medical examinations showing development of flat feet while serving
• Sick call visits for foot pain or related symptoms

If service records don’t clearly document the condition, veterans can submit buddy statements from fellow service members describing observed symptoms or limitations. Medical opinions from qualified doctors linking current flat feet to military service can also strengthen a claim.

Veterans should highlight specific military activities that contributed to their condition, such as:

• Long marches or runs
• Carrying heavy equipment
• Standing for extended periods
• Wearing military boots

Secondary Service Connection

Flat feet may qualify for VA benefits when they develop as a result of another service-connected condition. This is called secondary service connection.

Common service-connected conditions that may cause or worsen flat feet include:

• Knee injuries altering gait mechanics
• Back problems affecting posture and weight distribution
• Ankle injuries changing foot positioning and structure

To establish this connection, veterans need:

1. A current flat feet diagnosis
2. An existing service-connected primary condition
3. Medical evidence linking the primary condition to flat feet

Medical opinions should explain the physiological relationship between the primary condition and flat feet. Include details on how the primary condition’s symptoms or treatments contributed to developing flat feet.

Aggravation of Preexisting Flat Feet

Many veterans enter service with mild flat feet that worsen during military duty. The VA recognizes this through the aggravation pathway.

To qualify, veterans must show:

• The condition existed before military service (noted on entrance exam)
• Military service worsened the condition beyond its natural progression

Your entrance medical examination serves as the baseline. Compare it with your separation exam or current medical evaluations to demonstrate progression beyond normal deterioration.

Factors that may indicate service-related aggravation include:

• Documented increase in symptoms during service
• Development of secondary conditions like plantar fasciitis
• Need for orthotics or special footwear that wasn’t required before service

The VA will determine the pre-service severity and current severity to calculate compensation based on the difference.

Common Secondary Conditions Linked to Flat Feet

Flat feet (pes planus) can trigger a cascade of problems that affect joints and structures above the feet. Veterans with flat feet often develop secondary conditions that may qualify for additional VA disability benefits as connected issues.

Knee Pain

Flat feet alter normal walking mechanics, causing improper alignment of the legs and excessive strain on the knees. This misalignment often leads to various knee conditions that develop gradually over time.

Common knee issues linked to flat feet include:

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)
• Knee osteoarthritis
• Patellar tendonitis
• Medial knee pain

The lack of proper arch support forces the knees to compensate, often causing them to roll inward (knee valgus). This places abnormal stress on the medial (inner) knee structures and can accelerate cartilage wear.

Veterans with flat feet-related knee problems typically report pain when climbing stairs, squatting, or after prolonged standing. The VA may rate these knee conditions separately when properly documented as secondary to service-connected flat feet.

Back Issues

The foot-spine relationship is crucial in body mechanics. Flat feet disrupt normal movement patterns, often leading to lower back problems as the body tries to maintain balance and stability.

Common back conditions secondary to flat feet:

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
• Lumbosacral strain
• Sciatica
• Lumbar spondylosis

When arches collapse, the natural shock absorption system fails. This forces the spine to absorb more impact with each step, placing excessive stress on vertebrae, discs, and supporting muscles.

The altered gait from flat feet can cause pelvic tilting and spinal misalignment. Over time, this creates muscle imbalances where some back muscles become overly tight while others weaken.

Veterans may experience back pain that worsens throughout the day, especially after walking or standing. The connection between flat feet and back problems must be medically established to qualify for secondary VA benefits.

Hip Pain

The biomechanical chain from feet to hips means flat feet often lead to hip pain and dysfunction. The collapsed arches create a domino effect of misalignment that significantly impacts hip joint mechanics.

Hip conditions commonly linked to flat feet:

• Hip bursitis (particularly trochanteric bursitis)
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Piriformis syndrome

The inward rotation of the ankles from flat feet causes the legs to internally rotate, which places abnormal stress on the hip joints. This altered positioning forces hip muscles to work inefficiently, leading to inflammation and pain.

Many veterans report deep aching in the lateral (outside) hip or groin area. Some experience pain that radiates down the thigh or into the buttocks.

Treatment often requires addressing both the flat feet and the hip condition simultaneously. Veterans seeking disability benefits must demonstrate how their service-connected flat feet directly contributed to their hip problems through medical evidence and expert opinions.

Filing a VA Claim for Flat Feet

Veterans seeking disability benefits for flat feet must navigate the VA claims process carefully. Proper documentation and strategic preparation significantly increase the chances of receiving an appropriate disability rating.

Necessary Documentation

To file a successful VA claim for flat feet, veterans need several key documents. First, gather medical evidence showing a diagnosis of pes planus (flat feet) from a qualified healthcare provider. This should include detailed descriptions of symptoms and severity.

Service medical records are crucial to establish service connection. Look for documentation of:

• Initial diagnosis during service
• Treatment records for foot problems
• Medical board evaluations (if applicable)
• Military entrance exams showing normal arches

A nexus letter from a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist can strengthen claims by explicitly connecting flat feet to military service. The letter should explain how military activities like marching, standing, or carrying heavy equipment contributed to or worsened the condition.

Include current treatment records demonstrating ongoing care and the impact on daily activities.

Tips for a Successful Claim

Be specific about symptoms when completing VA forms. Describe how flat feet affect daily life, including pain levels during standing or walking, and inability to complete certain activities. The VA assigns ratings based on severity, ranging from 0% to 50%.

Consider these strategies to strengthen claims:

1. Document flare-ups with photos or a symptom journal
2. Include buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed symptoms
3. Attend C&P exams prepared to discuss symptoms at their worst

Be honest about symptoms but don’t downplay their impact. Many veterans with flat feet qualify for 10% disability ratings when symptoms exceed mild discomfort but don’t severely disrupt daily activities.

If initially denied, consider working with a veterans service organization (VSO) or an attorney specialized in VA claims for the appeals process.

Appealing a Denied VA Flat Feet Claim

Many veterans face denials when applying for VA disability benefits for flat feet. Understanding why claims get denied and knowing the proper appeal process can significantly increase your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.

Common Reasons for Denial

The VA often denies flat feet claims due to several specific issues. One common reason is lack of medical evidence establishing the severity of your condition. Without proper documentation, the VA cannot assess how your flat feet impact daily functioning.

Another frequent reason is failure to establish service connection. The VA may determine your flat feet existed before service and weren’t aggravated during your military career.

Some veterans also face denial because their C&P exam results didn’t adequately capture their symptoms or pain levels. These exams often occur on “good days” when symptoms are less severe.

Incomplete paperwork or missing deadlines can also lead to denials. The VA system requires strict adherence to procedural requirements.

Steps to File an Appeal

If your flat feet claim was denied, you have three main appeal options under the VA appeals system:

1. Supplemental Claim
   • Submit new and relevant evidence not previously considered
   • Typically receives faster review than other appeal types
   • Must be filed within one year of denial
2. Higher-Level Review
   • A senior VA employee will review your existing file
   • No new evidence can be submitted
   • Good option if you believe the VA made an error
3. Board Appeal
   • Appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
   • Choose between direct review, evidence submission, or hearing
   • Typically takes longer but may be necessary for complex cases

Consider consulting a VA benefits lawyer who specializes in disability claims. Many offer free consultations and can help navigate the complex appeals process.

How Ratings Affect VA Disability Compensation

VA disability ratings for flat feet directly determine the monthly compensation amount veterans receive. Higher ratings reflect more severe conditions and result in greater financial support to help offset the impact on quality of life and earning potential.

Resources for Veterans With Flat Feet

Veterans seeking help for flat feet have several valuable resources available. The VA healthcare system provides primary care services where veterans can start their journey toward diagnosis and treatment.

For veterans looking to file disability claims, we offer free consultations to help navigate the complex rating system. Our team at ProVet Legal understands how to properly document symptoms to match VA rating criteria.

With that said, many veterans find support through veteran service organizations (VSOs) that provide:

• Free claim filing assistance
• Guidance on gathering medical evidence
• Help with appeal processes

Veterans should consider seeking care from podiatrists who specialize in foot conditions. These specialists can provide proper documentation of symptoms like pain, swelling, and pronation that affect VA ratings.

The VA also offers prosthetic services including custom orthotics and supportive footwear to help manage flat feet symptoms. These items can be provided at no cost to eligible veterans.

Your Feet Carried You Through Service – Now Let Us Help You Get the Benefits They’ve Earned

Flat feet may seem like a minor condition to those who haven’t experienced the daily pain and limitations it can cause. But veterans who developed or worsened this condition through military service know how significantly it can impact mobility, work capacity, and quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with bilateral flat feet that deserve a higher rating or fighting a denial because the VA doesn’t recognize your service connection, the right evidence and approach can make all the difference.

At ProVet Legal, we understand how the VA evaluates flat feet claims and what documentation is needed to secure ratings that reflect the true impact of your condition. From gathering proper medical evidence that shows severity beyond what orthotics can relieve, to establishing service connection through the physical demands of military life, we help veterans build strong cases for the compensation they deserve.

You served on your feet – now let us help you stand up for your benefits. Contact ProVet Legal today for a free case review. We’ll evaluate your flat feet case, identify what evidence is needed to maximize your rating, and fight to ensure the VA recognizes the full impact this service-connected condition has on your daily life.