Flatfoot, acquired
Flatfoot, acquired is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276, from 0% to 50% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 50% rating requires: Bilateral. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 5276 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 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?
Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support
Note: Must be acquired (not congenital) and secondary to service for compensation.
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
Unilateral
Unilateral
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Flatfoot, acquired may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Flatfoot, acquired?
Service connection for Flatfoot, acquired requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
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 is the C&P exam like for Flatfoot, acquired?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Flatfoot, acquired uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits