What Is Flat Feet
Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the arch of your foot collapses or never develops properly, causing the sole to make nearly full contact with the ground. The VA rates this condition under Diagnostic Code 5299-5003 when it results from military service and causes functional impairment that affects your ability to walk, stand, or perform weight-bearing activities.
For VA disability purposes, flat feet must be documented during your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. The examiner will assess arch height, foot pain during activity, swelling, and how the condition limits your mobility. This clinical evidence becomes the foundation for your disability rating and any nexus letter your private physician might provide to establish service connection.
VA Rating System for Flat Feet
The VA uses a 0-100% disability scale for rating flat feet. Most veterans receive ratings between 0% and 20%, though higher ratings are possible if the condition is bilateral or severely disabling. A 10% rating is common for pes planus with mild functional impairment. A 20% rating typically applies when pain is significant during weight-bearing activities or when both feet are affected. Ratings of 30% or higher are rare and usually require demonstrating that flat feet prevents you from working or causes severe, unremitting pain.
Your initial rating from the VA Regional Office may not reflect the full impact of your condition. If you disagree, you can file a claim for increase using VA Form 21-526EZ, request a higher-level review, or appeal through the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
What Happens During the C&P Exam
- Physical assessment: The VA examiner will check your arch height using a weight-bearing assessment, measure foot pain on a scale, and observe your gait and ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
- Functional evaluation: You'll be asked about pain during marching, running, standing for long periods, and climbing. The examiner documents whether you can perform military or civilian duties that require sustained weight-bearing.
- Bilateral consideration: If both feet are flat, the VA may rate them together rather than separately, which can result in a higher combined rating.
- Documentation: The examiner reviews service medical records, any X-rays or MRIs, and compares your current condition to what was documented at separation.
Nexus Letters and Service Connection
To be rated for flat feet, you must establish that the condition is service-connected, meaning it was caused by or aggravated during military service. If your service medical records don't clearly document pes planus, you'll need independent medical evidence. A nexus letter from a podiatrist, orthopedist, or primary care physician stating that your flat feet are at least as likely as not caused by your military service can significantly strengthen your claim.
The nexus letter should reference any in-service events, injuries, marching distances, or occupational factors that could have caused arch collapse. Veterans who filed flat feet claims before receiving a C&P exam should request one immediately by contacting their local VA Regional Office or working with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Appeals and VSO Representation
If the VA denies your flat feet claim or rates it lower than you believe is accurate, you have multiple options. A VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer can review your denial, identify missing evidence, and file an appeal on your behalf at no cost. Many VSOs work for veterans organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Disabled American Veterans and have experience winning flat feet claims by obtaining additional C&P exams or medical opinions.
You have one year from the date of the VA's decision to file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to initiate the appeals process. Providing new medical evidence or requesting a new examination significantly improves your chances of a successful appeal.
Common Questions
- Can I get rated for flat feet if I was never examined for it during my military service? Yes. Many service members were not diagnosed with flat feet while serving. If you can establish service connection through a nexus letter or by showing that your service included activities that caused arch collapse, such as heavy rucking or running in poor-quality footwear, you may qualify for a rating.
- What's the difference between a 10% and 20% flat feet rating? A 10% rating indicates mild functional impairment with intermittent pain during weight-bearing. A 20% rating means pain is more frequent and significant, limiting your ability to stand or walk for extended periods without symptoms. The C&P examiner documents specific functional deficits to distinguish between these ratings.
- Can I file a claim for flat feet if I already have a lower-body disability rating? Yes. You can file a separate claim for flat feet as a distinct condition, though the VA will evaluate how all your service-connected disabilities combine. Combined ratings are calculated using VA tables, not simple addition.