VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Rated 0/10/20/30/50% by severity and bilateral involvement.
Pes planus (DC 5276) is rated by symptom severity and whether one or both feet are affected. The 30% (bilateral severe) and 50% (bilateral pronounced) tiers require specific objective findings — marked deformity, pain on manipulation, swelling, characteristic callosities.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Mild — relieved by built-up shoe or arch support. |
| 10% | $180.42 | Moderate — weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the tendo Achilles, pain on manipulation and use (unilateral or bilateral). |
| 20% | $356.66 | Severe unilateral — marked deformity, pain, swelling on use. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Severe bilateral — marked deformity, pain, swelling on use, characteristic callosities. OR Pronounced unilateral — marked pronation, extreme tenderness. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Pronounced bilateral — marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement, severe spasm of the tendo Achilles on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
How to get rated for flat feet (pes planus)
- Podiatry or orthopedic diagnosis with objective findings (X-rays, physical exam).
- Document conservative treatment attempted (orthotics, PT, NSAIDs).
- Bilateral? File as such — tiers are different for unilateral vs bilateral.
Common secondary conditions
- +Plantar fasciitis
- +Knee condition (altered gait)
- +Lumbar spine (altered gait)
- +Hip
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Aggravation claim: pre-existing mild flat feet worsened by service (marching, boots, heavy loads) is a valid theory.
Frequently asked
Does having flat feet at enlistment kill my claim?
No — you can still claim aggravation. If service permanently worsened the pre-existing condition, it is service-connectable under 38 CFR § 3.306.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.