Flatfoot (Pes Planus)

DC 5276Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5276

A condition where the arches of your feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. The VA rates flatfoot based on severity of symptoms and whether orthotics help.

Rating Levels

You have pronounced bilateral flatfoot with marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthotics.

What the VA looks for

Marked pronation
Extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces
Marked inward displacement of Achilles tendon
Severe spasm on manipulation
Not improved by orthotics

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting that orthotics do NOT relieve your symptoms — the 50% rating specifically requires showing that orthopedic shoes or appliances do not help.
⚠Not filing for both feet if both are affected — bilateral flatfoot receives higher ratings (30% severe vs 20% severe unilateral, 50% pronounced vs 30% pronounced unilateral).
⚠Not getting X-rays showing structural deformity — objective evidence of marked deformity is required for severe and pronounced ratings.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — flatfoot commonly causes knee, hip, and back problems from altered gait and biomechanics.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Flatfoot (Pes Planus) Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

You have pronounced bilateral flatfoot with marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthotics.

What the VA looks for

Marked pronation
Extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces
Marked inward displacement of Achilles tendon
Severe spasm on manipulation
Not improved by orthotics

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting that orthotics do NOT relieve your symptoms — the 50% rating specifically requires showing that orthopedic shoes or appliances do not help.

⚠Not filing for both feet if both are affected — bilateral flatfoot receives higher ratings (30% severe vs 20% severe unilateral, 50% pronounced vs 30% pronounced unilateral).

⚠Not getting X-rays showing structural deformity — objective evidence of marked deformity is required for severe and pronounced ratings.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — flatfoot commonly causes knee, hip, and back problems from altered gait and biomechanics.