Flatfoot, acquired
The VA rates Flatfoot, acquired under Diagnostic Code 5276 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 6 documented secondary conditions linked to Flatfoot, acquired.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 5276
Rating schedule — DC 5276 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 6
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Flatfoot, acquired?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support Note: Must be acquired (not congenital) and secondary to service for compensation. |
| 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 |
| 20% | Unilateral |
| 30% | Unilateral |
| 50% | Bilateral |
“Unilateral”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Flatfoot, acquired?
View 6 secondary conditions linked to Flatfoot, acquired
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Flatfoot, acquired VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Flatfoot, acquired?
The VA rates Flatfoot, acquired under Diagnostic Code 5276 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support. The maximum 50% rating requires: Bilateral.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Flatfoot, acquired?
The VA rates Flatfoot, acquired under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 50% rating for Flatfoot, acquired?
A 0% rating requires: Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support. A 50% rating requires: Bilateral. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Flatfoot, acquired qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Flatfoot, acquired maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Flatfoot, acquired?
The key evidence for Flatfoot, acquired is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Flatfoot, acquired?
Flatfoot, acquired is associated with 6 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Flatfoot, acquired?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5276 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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