DC 5276 — Flatfoot, acquired
Also known as: flat feet, Flatfoot, acquired, pes planus, fallen arches, arch pain, foot pain, orthotics, insoles
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Flatfoot, acquired → Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic
How the connection is commonly explained
Flat feet alter biomechanics and increase stress on knee, hip, and ankle joints, accelerating arthritis.
Filing tip
File arthritis as secondary to flat feet. Imaging showing degenerative changes in knees/hips supports the claim.
Flatfoot, acquired → Knee, other impairment
How the connection is commonly explained
Flat feet alter lower limb alignment and place extra stress on the knee joint.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how flatfoot, acquired led to or worsened knee, other impairment.
Flatfoot, acquired → Lumbosacral or cervical strain
How the connection is commonly explained
Flat feet change posture and gait, causing lower back strain.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how flatfoot, acquired led to or worsened lumbosacral or cervical strain.
Flatfoot, acquired → Plantar fasciitis
How the connection is commonly explained
Flat feet are a primary cause of plantar fasciitis.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how flatfoot, acquired led to or worsened plantar fasciitis.
Flatfoot, acquired → Tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis or tendinopathy
How the connection is commonly explained
Flat feet put extra strain on the Achilles tendon and related soft tissues.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how flatfoot, acquired led to or worsened tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis or tendinopathy.
Flatfoot, acquired → Thigh, limitation of flexion
How the connection is commonly explained
Altered biomechanics from flat feet affect the kinetic chain up to the hips.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how flatfoot, acquired led to or worsened thigh, limitation of flexion.
This condition may also be secondary to
Pain-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.
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.