Flatfoot, acquired (DC 5276) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 5276 |
|---|---|
| Category | The Musculoskeletal System |
| Subcategory | The Foot |
| Also Known As | flat feet, Flatfoot, acquired, pes planus, fallen arches, arch pain, foot pain, orthotics, insoles |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.71a |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Flat feet are most commonly rated at 10% (moderate, with weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe). About 50% of claimants receive 10%. The 30% bilateral rating requires marked deformity, pain on manipulation, and swelling.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Bilateral |
| 30% | Bilateral |
| 30% | Unilateral |
| 20% | Unilateral |
| 10% | Moderate; weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of the tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of the feet, bilateral or unilateral |
| 0% | Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support |
Conditions Secondary to This
6 linksFlat feet alter biomechanics and increase stress on knee, hip, and ankle joints, accelerating arthritis.
Flat feet alter lower limb alignment and place extra stress on the knee joint.
Flat feet change posture and gait, causing lower back strain.
Flat feet are a primary cause of plantar fasciitis.
Flat feet put extra strain on the Achilles tendon and related soft tissues.
Altered biomechanics from flat feet affect the kinetic chain up to the hips.
This May Be Secondary To
7 linksPain-related gait changes can alter foot mechanics and contribute to plantar and flatfoot symptoms.
Bunions and flat feet frequently co-occur and aggravate each other through altered foot biomechanics.
Changes in gait from disc disease can alter foot mechanics and contribute to plantar and flatfoot symptoms.
Altered gait mechanics affect the feet and can worsen flatfoot-type symptoms.
Abnormal gait from limited knee extension can alter foot mechanics.
Abnormal walking mechanics from limited knee motion can stress the feet.
Gait changes from back pain alter foot mechanics, causing plantar pain and flatfoot-related symptoms.
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.