---
title: "DC 5276 - Flatfoot, acquired:"
diagnostic_code: "5276"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5276-flat-feet"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:05:46.604225Z"
---

# DC 5276 - Flatfoot, acquired:

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Pronounced; marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances: Bilateral |
| 30% | Pronounced; marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances: Unilateral |
| 30% | Severe; objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities: Bilateral |
| 20% | Severe; objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities: Unilateral |
| 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 |
| 0% | Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support |

# Acquired Flatfoot (Pes Planus) — VA Disability Rating

**Diagnostic Code 5276 · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Musculoskeletal System**

## What Is Acquired Flatfoot?

Acquired flatfoot, also known as pes planus, is a condition affecting the feet in which the natural arch is lowered or collapsed. Under the VA rating schedule, this condition is evaluated based on its severity, the symptoms present, and whether it affects one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral).

The VA assigns a disability rating according to how the condition presents on examination and how it responds to treatment measures such as orthopedic shoes, arch supports, or built-up shoes.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA rates acquired flatfoot under Diagnostic Code 5276 at the following levels:

| Rating | How It Applies | Description |
|--------|----------------|-------------|
| **50%** | Bilateral | Pronounced condition |
| **30%** | Unilateral | Pronounced condition |
| **30%** | Bilateral | Severe condition |
| **20%** | Unilateral | Severe condition |
| **10%** | Bilateral or Unilateral | Moderate condition |
| **0%** | — | Mild condition |

## What the VA Looks For

The VA reviews specific findings when evaluating the severity of acquired flatfoot:

### Pronounced (50% Bilateral / 30% Unilateral)
- Marked pronation
- Extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet
- Marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation
- Not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances

### Severe (30% Bilateral / 20% Unilateral)
- Objective evidence of marked deformity (such as pronation or abduction)
- Pain on manipulation and use that is accentuated
- Indication of swelling on use
- Characteristic callosities

### Moderate (10% Bilateral or Unilateral)
- Weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe
- Inward bowing of the tendo achillis
- Pain on manipulation and use of the feet

### Mild (0%)
- Symptoms relieved by a built-up shoe or arch support

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276. Individual ratings depend on the specific findings documented in your case.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a