What is Pes Planus and How Is It Rated?

Pes Planus (Flat Feet) VA Disability: Ratings, Symptoms, and Compensation

What is Pes Planus?

Pes Planus, otherwise known as flat feet, is a common condition where the arches on the inside of the foot are flattened, leaving the entire sole of your foot touching the ground when you stand.

This condition can develop later on in life and can be caused by a veteran’s military service or aggravated by military service. Most of the time, flat feet do not cause severe symptoms, but those with a severe case may experience symptoms such as:

• Feet tiring out easily
• Aches or pain in the areas of the arches or heels
• Foot swelling
• Difficulty performing certain foot movements, like standing on your toes
• Leg and back pain

UPDATED as of November 2025: The VA rates pes planus (flatfoot) under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276, specifically for acquired flatfoot, meaning flatfoot connected to service rather than flatfoot you were born with.

What Causes Pes Planus in Veterans?

Flat feet among veterans can be caused by many different factors. Sometimes a veteran’s service can cause them to develop flat feet, whereas for other veterans, their service may have aggravated their flat feet.

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Torn or stretched tendons
• Inflammation or damage to the posterior tibial tendon
• Dislocated or broken bones in the leg or foot
• Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
• Nerve damage
• Obesity
• Frequent high-impact physical activity, like military training

UPDATED as of November 2025: According to the official VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire for Foot Conditions, Including Flatfoot (Pes Planus), the VA evaluates specific clinical findings, including:

• Decreased longitudinal arch height on weight-bearing
• Objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.)
• Pain on use or manipulation of the feet
• Swelling on use
• Characteristic calluses
• Inward bowing of the Achilles tendon
• Marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation
• Whether orthopedic shoes or appliances provide relief

Military-Specific Risk Factors

Military service involves physical demands that can cause or aggravate flat feet, including:

• Carrying heavy loads – Rucksacks and combat gear during training and deployment
• Extended periods of marching – Long-distance marches with equipment
• Airborne operations – Repeated parachute landings creating impact stress
• Wearing military boots – Combat boots that may not provide adequate arch support
• Repetitive physical training – Daily PT and training exercises

How is Pes Planus Rated by the VA?

You can be rated between a 0% and 50% rating. The ratings are based on the severity of the symptoms, from mild to pronounced flat feet.

According to official VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions and the Code of Federal Regulations, here are the complete rating criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276:

Pronounced Flat Feet – 50% or 30%

50% rating for bilateral (both feet) pronounced acquired flatfoot:

• Marked pronation
• Extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet
• Marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis (Achilles tendon) on manipulation
• NOT improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances
• Approximately $1,075.16/month for a veteran alone (2025 rates)

30% rating for unilateral (one foot) pronounced acquired flatfoot:

• Same criteria as 50% rating, but affecting only one foot
• Approximately $524.31/month for a veteran alone (2025 rates)

Severe Flat Feet – 30% or 20%

30% rating for bilateral severe acquired flatfoot:

• Objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.)
• Pain on manipulation and use accentuated
• Indication of swelling on use
• Characteristic callosities (calluses)
• Approximately $524.31/month for a veteran alone (2025 rates)

20% rating for unilateral severe acquired flatfoot:

• Same criteria as 30% bilateral rating, but affecting only one foot
• Approximately $338.49/month for a veteran alone (2025 rates)

Moderate Flat Feet – 10%

10% rating for moderate acquired flatfoot (bilateral or unilateral):

• Weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe
• Inward bowing of the tendo achillis (Achilles tendon)
• Pain on manipulation and use of the feet
• Applies to both bilateral and unilateral presentations
• Approximately $171.23/month for a veteran alone (2025 rates)

Mild Flat Feet – 0%

0% rating for mild acquired flatfoot:

• Symptoms are relieved by built-up shoe or arch support
• Non-compensable rating (no monthly payment)
• Establishes service connection for future claims

When a veteran has flat feet and is able to find relief from their symptoms by using arch supports or built-up shoes, they are considered to have a mild, non-compensable condition.

Key Documentation Needed for Your Pes Planus Claim

UPDATED as of November 2025: According to the official VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire for Foot Conditions, the VA examiner will assess the following clinical findings during your C&P exam:

Medical Evidence Requirements:

Pain Documentation:

• Does the veteran have pain on use of the feet?
• Does the veteran have pain on manipulation of the feet?
• Is the pain accentuated on use or manipulation?

Physical Examination Findings:

• Indication of swelling on use
• Characteristic calluses
• Decreased longitudinal arch height on weight-bearing
• Objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.)
• Marked pronation of one or both feet
• Weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe
• “Inward” bowing of the Achilles tendon
• Marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation

Response to Treatment:

• Effects of arch supports or built-up shoes
• Whether symptoms are completely relieved, partially relieved, or not relieved by orthopedic devices
• Whether marked inward displacement and spasm are improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances

Imaging Studies:

• Plain or weight-bearing foot X-rays (note: NOT required to make the diagnosis of flatfoot according to VA guidelines)
• Imaging may be needed if arthritis is present

Service Connection Requirements:

To qualify for VA disability for pes planus, you must establish three elements:

1. Current diagnosis – Medical records confirming pes planus/flat feet
2. In-service event, injury, or aggravation – Evidence from service medical records showing the condition began or worsened during service
3. Medical nexus – A medical opinion linking your current flat feet condition to your military service

Secondary Conditions Related to Pes Planus

Common secondary conditions that may develop from service-connected flat feet include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Knee pain and arthritis
• Hip problems
• Lower back pain
• Ankle instability and arthritis
• Achilles tendinitis

Veterans may be eligible for separate ratings for these secondary conditions if they can prove they were caused or aggravated by their service-connected flat feet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pes Planus VA Disability

Can I get VA disability for flat feet even if I had them before service? Yes, if your military service aggravated your pre-existing flat feet beyond their natural progression. You’ll need medical evidence showing the aggravation during service, such as service medical records documenting increased symptoms or treatment.

What happens if I disagree with my flat feet rating? You have several appeal options: filing a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, requesting a Higher-Level Review by a senior reviewer, or appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. [Source: VA Board decisions]

If I get a 0% rating, is that worthless? No. A 0% rating establishes service connection, which means: (1) if your condition worsens in the future, you can file for an increase without proving service connection again, and (2) it may help establish secondary conditions caused by your flat feet.

Our Team Is Here To Help You

Veterans Help Group has been supporting veterans in getting the benefits they deserve for over 15 years. If you or a loved one served and suffers from pes planus, we are here to help. Call Veterans Help Group at 855-855-8992 or complete our free veterans benefits case evaluation form here. 

Disabled Veteran Resources:

• Veteran Social Security Disability Qualification Questionnaire
• Most Commonly Approved VA Disability Claims
• Veterans Disability Benefits Calculator
• FREE Downloadable VA Disability Benefit Guidebooks