VA Disability for Bilateral Pes Planus (Flat Feet) | Improve Your VA Rating

Flat feet linked to an in-service injury are a compensable disability with the VA, as the condition can lead to chronic pain and limit mobility.

Summary

• Veterans with Pes Planus, or flat feet, can seek VA disability benefits if their condition is service-related.
• Flat feet are the result of undeveloped or fallen arches. The condition may be pre-existing or the result of a service-connected injury or illness.
• Veterans are vulnerable to injuries that increase the risk of flat feet, like a broken bone, because of the active nature of military service.

Maximizing Your Flat Feet VA Disability Rating: How VetLaw Supports Veterans

If you suffer from foot problems related to having flat foot, you understand how difficult it can be to work and perform daily activities. The pain can become overwhelming and prevent you from engaging in normal day-to-day life.

Unfortunately, thousands of veterans struggle with pes planus and plantar fasciitis as a result of their military service. At VetLaw, we work with veterans across the United States to build a strong case for VA disability benefits for this condition, increase their VA rating, and successfully appeal unfairly denied claims.

To learn more about how our team of experienced VA disability appeals attorneys can help, consider contacting us today. You can reach us at (855) 391-1579 or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Secure Your Bilateral Pes Planus (Flat Feet) VA Disability Rating Benefits with VetLaw

In addition to being a veteran-founded law firm, our team has an insider’s perspective on the inner workings of the VA appeals system. Brendan Garcia, a Marine veteran, founded VetLaw after working as an attorney for the VA. His experience has contributed to our firm’s ability to adeptly navigate the VA disability claims process for our clients.

We are dedicated to providing an individualized experience with exemplary results. To accomplish this, we focus on prioritizing our client’s needs and building strong appeals that refute any of the VA’s doubts about issuing disability benefits. Our consistency, compassion, and comprehensive approach to VA disability claims set us apart.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Flat Feet VA Disability?

Having collapsed arches is a condition where one or both feet have no arches or very low ones. This can cause the feet to lie fully flat, with the pads pressing into the ground. Improper posture can result, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and discomfort.

Pes planus is the medical terminology for flat feet, and a person with bilateral pes planus is affected in both feet. Some common symptoms of pes planus include the following:

• Leg cramps
• Muscle pain, aching, or fatigue in the leg and foot
• Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the ankle, heel, or arch of the foot
• Difficulty moving your foot in certain ways
• Pain in the legs and back

Pes planus can develop for several reasons. In some cases, flat feet are genetic and run in a family. In other situations, certain health issues can increase your risk of flat feet, including injuries to the Achilles tendon, diabetes, broken bones, obesity, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and high blood pressure.

The military is often physically demanding, which can increase a veteran’s risk of sustaining acute musculoskeletal injuries, such as an ACL tear. Military service can also entail other dangers, such as toxic chemical exposure. This leaves personnel susceptible to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and blood pressure issues, which in turn increases their chances of developing Pes Planus.

Flat Feet Often Produce Secondary Plantar Fascitis in Veterans

Some individuals suffer from pes planus combined with plantar fasciitis, a condition where the tissue used during walking becomes inflamed. Oftentimes, plantar fasciitis develops as a consequence of this condition.

If your service-connected pes planus causes you to develop plantar fasciitis, you may qualify for VA disability benefits for this secondary condition. Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:

• Shooting pain in the foot
• Swelling around the heel
• Tightness in the Achilles tendon
• Pain that worsens in the morning or when standing

There are several ways that a person can develop plantar fasciitis. Having pes planus is one common cause of plantar fasciitis. Consistent work or exercise on hard surfaces, prolonged use of poor-fitting shoes, and repeated exercise without stretching can also lead to plantar fasciitis.

Between strenuous physical activity and hours spent standing on tough terrain, veterans are at a high risk of developing issues with their feet due to their time in the service.

Does the VA Consider Flat Feet to Be a Disability?

Yes, the VA does consider Pes Planus to be a disability. To qualify for VA benefits, you must prove a diagnosis of pes planus, bilateral pes planus, or pes planus with plantar fasciitis. Additionally, establishing an in-service incident or stressor as the cause is critical.

This connection, known as a nexus, is essential to your case. Without proof linking the condition to service, the VA may deny benefits. To establish a nexus, you must provide sufficient evidence, including:

This evidence can include the following:

• Service medical records and service personnel records
• Private and VA medical reports
• C&P Examinations
• Employment records
• Lay statements and buddy statements

The VA will use the evidence you provide in your claim to determine your flat feet VA rating. Additionally, this evidence will inform whether or not you qualify for disability benefits. Your attorney can provide greater insight into how this process works and the type of evidence that may be beneficial in your unique case.

How VA Determines Disability Ratings for Pes Planus (Flat Feet)?

All flat feet VA ratings are evaluated against 38 C.F.R § 4.71a. According to Diagnostic Code 5276, your flat feet VA rating will be between 0% and 50% depending on severity. Specifically, the VA ratings for pes planus are determined based on the following criteria:

• Mild symptoms that are relieved with proper footwear will receive a 0% rating.
• Moderate symptoms in which the veteran bears their weight primarily over the big toe rather than their entire whole foot, their Achilles tendon bends inward, and experiences pain when using the foot will receive a 10% rating. This rating is the same for both lateral and bilateral pes planus.
• Severe symptoms in one foot, marked by foot deformity, accentuated pain, swelling, and callosities, will receive a 20% rating. This rating will increase to 30% in cases of bilateral pes planus with severe symptoms.
• Pronounced symptoms in one foot, characterized by extreme tenderness in the plantar area and extreme inward displacement/ spasming of the Achilles tendon that is not relieved by proper footwear will receive a 30% rating. This rating will increase to 50% in cases of bilateral pes planus with pronounced symptoms.

The VA rating for plantar fasciitis varies and is determined using Diagnostic Code 5269. The ratings for this condition are assigned as follows:

• 10% rating for plantar fasciitis in one or both feet and is responsive to treatment.
• 20% rating for unilateral plantar fasciitis that cannot be treated.
• 30% rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis that cannot be treated.
• 40% rating for plantar fasciitis that results in the inability to use the foot.

Veterans who suffer from bilateral pes planus combined with plantar fasciitis may be eligible to receive a pes planus VA rating of 50% and an additional 30% for their plantar fasciitis.

What If the VA Denies Your Claim for Pes Planus?

It is not uncommon for the VA to deny a veteran’s claim for pes planus. If you have been denied flat feet VA disability benefits, you may appeal the denial using one of the VA’s three appeal options:

• Filing a Supplemental Claim to submit additional evidence that may alter the decision.
• Requesting a Higher-Level Review to ask a senior reviewer to reassess your case.
• Appealing with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to include new evidence, requesting a review, or scheduling a hearing with a Veterans’ Law Judge.

The appeal option that you utilize will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. The right appeal strategy will optimize your chance of success. That means you secure benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Hiring an Attorney Near You to Help With Your VA Disability Appeal for Pes Planus

Your claim for flat feet VA disability benefits may have been denied for a range of reasons. Perhaps the VA couldn’t establish a nexus between your condition and your military service. Alternatively, the VA may have given you a 0% pes planus VA rating based on the evidence you provided.

At VetLaw, we work alongside veterans to understand why the VA denied their claim. Our team will craft a legal strategy to help you secure the benefits you need and deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your free case review and learn more about how we can help win your case. Get in touch with us at (855) 391-1579 or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There VA Disability for Flat Feet?

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet, also known as Pes Planus, can develop for various reasons. In some individuals, the condition is genetic and passed down through family members. Others may experience flat feet due to external factors such as injuries, prolonged stress on the foot, or medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, flat feet result from undeveloped or weakened arches, which can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, or broken bones. Certain health conditions, such as Achilles tendon injuries or high blood pressure, can also contribute to the development of flat feet. For veterans, the physically demanding nature of military service can increase the risk of sustaining injuries that lead to flat feet.

How to Fix Flat Feet: Effective Treatments and Exercises for Pain Relief

Fixing flat feet often involves a combination of exercises, supportive footwear, and in some cases, medical intervention. For many, the right stretches and strengthening exercises can help improve arch support and alleviate discomfort. Specific exercises like heel raises, toe curls, and arch lifts are particularly effective for building strength in the foot muscles. Wearing custom orthotics or shoes with strong arch support can also provide immediate relief by helping redistribute pressure across the foot. In severe cases, physical therapy or surgery may be recommended to correct structural problems. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action, as the treatment plan will vary depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of any secondary issues, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

What does a 0% VA disability rating for flat foott mean?

It can be confusing to receive a VA disability rating yet also be denied benefits for a service-related condition. If you filed a VA disability claim for flat feet and the VA gave you a 0% rating, you have a non-compensable disability rating. 

There is a foundation for compensation in the future with a 0% VA disability rating, should your symptoms become more severe, as the VA is not disputing that your military service worsened or caused your Pes Planus. 

However, at 0%, your symptoms are not significant enough to reach 10% disability on the rating schedule for flat feet. 10% is the minimum rating a vet needs to be eligible for VA disability benefits. If you believe the VA has underestimated the extent of your condition, our team can help you file an appeal to increase your rating.

Besides Plantar Fasciitis, what conditions are associated with flat feet?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, flat feet can also cause other issues. The pressure that fallen arches place on other areas of the foot can cause veterans to develop arthritis, shin splints, and bone spurs. 

Additionally, veterans with Pes Planus may experience pain in their hips, back, and knees as their weight is not properly distributed due to their flat feet. Vets may notice bunions or calluses on their feet due to this condition.

I have a 40% VA disability rating for flat foot. Can I qualify for TDIU benefits under the 70/40 rule?

If you want to secure Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability benefits under the 70/40 rule with a 40% VA disability rating for flat feet, you could do so provided that you meet the other eligibility requirements.

A 40% VA disability rating for flat feet would fulfill part of the criteria, but you would also need to establish a combined VA disability rating of 70%. Additionally, you need to show that these disabilities have relegated you to marginal employment or kept you out of the workforce altogether.