Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flat feet are rated under Diagnostic Code 5276 based on severity: mild, moderate, severe, or pronounced. Ratings are different for bilateral (both feet) vs unilateral (one foot). Separate evaluations per foot are not allowed unless one foot is considered loss of use. Separate evaluations for plantar fasciitis and flat feet on the same foot are not allowed.
VA Rating Levels
Mild: symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support.
Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, pain on manipulation and use of the feet. (10% bilateral or unilateral.)
Severe (unilateral): objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
Severe (bilateral) or Pronounced (unilateral): marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
Pronounced (bilateral): marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →You can't receive separate evaluations for plantar fasciitis and flat feet on the same foot.
- →If you have bilateral flat feet along with arthritis in both feet, the rater will run the numbers both ways to determine whether rating them together or separately per foot gives you a higher combined evaluation.
- →Generally, you can't get separate evaluations per individual foot unless one foot qualifies as loss of use.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276