How the VA Rates Flat Feet
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5276 criteria a VA rater evaluates Flat Feet against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic code 5276
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5276 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
Mild flatfoot — symptoms relieved by a built-up shoe or arch support.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Mild arch discomfort
- Relieved by orthotics or supportive shoes
10%
$180.42/month
Moderate (unilateral or bilateral) — the weight-bearing line is over or medial to the great toe, with inward bowing of the tendo achillis, and pain on manipulation and use of the feet.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Pain on manipulation and use of the feet
- Inward bowing of the Achilles tendon
- Weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe
- Aching with prolonged standing or walking
20%
$356.66/month
Severe, unilateral (30% if bilateral) — objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, and characteristic callosities.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Marked foot deformity (pronation/abduction)
- Swelling of the foot with use
- Characteristic callus formation
- Accentuated pain on manipulation and use
30%
$552.47/month
Severe, bilateral (30%); OR pronounced, unilateral (30%) — marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Marked pronation of one or both feet
- Extreme tenderness across the sole
- Severe Achilles spasm on manipulation
- Not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances
50%
$1,132.90/month
Pronounced, bilateral — marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances (both feet).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Pronounced deformity of both feet
- Severe, treatment-resistant symptoms bilaterally
- Profound impairment of standing and walking
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
C&P exam tips for Flat Feet
- What wins this rating: a documented exam noting the weight-bearing line, Achilles bowing/spasm, plantar tenderness, callosities, and — critically — whether symptoms persist despite orthotics (the key driver above 20%).
- Make clear whether one or both feet are affected — bilateral severe/pronounced pes planus reaches the higher tiers.
- Describe pain on manipulation and use, not just standing pain.
- Bring records of orthotics, custom shoes, or surgery and note that symptoms continue despite them.
Common mistakes on Flat Feet claims
- Not mentioning that symptoms persist despite arch supports/orthopedic shoes — this distinguishes the higher tiers.
- Failing to specify unilateral vs. bilateral involvement.
- Describing only standing pain and omitting pain on manipulation, swelling, and callosities.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Flat Feet?
Flat Feet is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5276 — diagnostic code 5276.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Flat Feet?
50% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Flat Feet. The criteria at that level describe: Pronounced, bilateral — marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances (both feet).
How much does a 50% VA rating for Flat Feet pay in 2026?
$1,132.90 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Flat Feet claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Start your claim — freeEducational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.