The VA Disability rating for flat feet is typically between 0 and 50%. The rating you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and how it impacts your daily life. You must show evidence of your condition and how it is connected to your time in the service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) often denies claims when it believes the available evidence does not support a rating. If your Veterans Benefits claim has been denied, it is wise to consult with an attorney who understands how the VA system works and can help you contest the decision.
Our attorneys have more than 120 years of combined legal experience, much of it advocating for disabled veterans so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. Learn more about how our Veterans Affairs Benefits claims lawyers can help when you call for your free consultation.
What Are Flat Feet?
Pes planus is commonly referred to as flat feet. This is a condition where the arches of the feet are low or collapsed, causing the sole to touch the ground when standing. It may be congenital, or it may develop over time.
For some people, flat feet can be extremely painful and prevent them from carrying out many normal life activities. Others have no symptoms. If you are one of the people for whom flat feet are a debilitating condition, you know how strongly this condition can impact your life.
For veterans, flat feet may be linked to physically demanding activities performed during service, such as marching, standing for long periods, or carrying heavy loads. These activities can aggravate or worsen your flat feet, and you could be eligible for VA Disability benefits.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
How Does the VA Rate Flat Feet?
VA ratings for flat feet fall under Diagnostic Code 5276 within the Schedule for Rating Disabilities.
Ratings can be between 0 and 50% depending on the severity and how many feet are affected:
- Symptoms that are mild or treatable result in a 0% rating.
- A 10% rating applies when there is moderate pain on use or manipulation of the feet, possibly with inward bowing of the Achilles tendon.
- A 20% rating applies to severe unilateral (one foot) cases, while a 30% rating applies to bilateral (both feet) cases when there are severe symptoms such as marked deformity, swelling, and callosities.
- The highest rating of 50% for bilateral flat feet is reserved for conditions involving extreme pain, marked pronation, and symptoms that are not improved by orthopedic devices.
The VA may consider how your condition affects your employment status and mobility when applying a rating. However, your medical and service records will play the largest role.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Flat Feet Rating?
To obtain VA Disability for flat feet, you need a current diagnosis and evidence of an in–service event that caused or worsened your condition. You must show a medical nexus that links the condition to your service.
Evidence includes:
- Service treatment records showing foot issues
- After-service medical records or your diagnosis and its severity
- A VA or private medical opinion that connected your condition to your military duties
- Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam results
- Statements that describe symptoms and functional limitations
A successful Veterans Disability claim requires evidence showing not only the injury but how it connected to your time in the service. A nexus letter connecting the two can be helpful for your case.
What Secondary Conditions Are Linked to Flat Feet?
Due to altered walking gait and uneven weight distribution, flat feet can cause or aggravate several secondary conditions. Over time, biomechanical strain may contribute to degenerative joint disease in the knees or spine.
Other conditions include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle instability
- Shin splints
- Knee, hip, or lower back pain
- Bunions or hammertoes
To receive secondary service connection, medical evidence must show that the primary flat feet condition caused or worsened the additional disability. A strong medical nexus opinion is typically required to establish this relationship for VA compensation purposes.
What if the VA Denies a Claim for Flat Feet?
If your claim is denied, you can take action to contest the VA’s findings. Your denial letter will outline the reasons your claim was rejected. Lack of evidence is a common reason for a denial. From there, you have several options for appealing and showing the extent of your disability.
You can file a Supplemental Claim by submitting new and relevant evidence. You may also file a Higher–Level Review, where a more senior reviewer reexamines your denial for errors.
Finally, you may appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals if you believe the decision was incorrect. It’s smart to consult with an attorney who works with Veterans Benefits and can advise you on the best way to prove your claim.
Get Help With Your VA Disability for Flat Feet
You can receive a service-connected disability rating of between 0 and 50% if you have flat feet, either caused or worsened by your time in the service. You’ll need to show proof of a service connection, as well as medical records documenting your condition.
The VA often denies claims, but our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates can help. We’ll review your denial letter, identify what’s missing in your claim, and walk you through your appeal. Call today for your free consultation to get started.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
