If the VA already service-connected your flat feet (also called pes planus, fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, heel pain), it can cause or worsen other conditions that are ratable on their own. These "secondary" claims are where many veterans leave money on the table. Below is what a service-connected flat feet commonly leads to, why, and what evidence each one takes.
Acquired flatfoot is rated under 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5276:
| Acquired flatfoot (DC 5276) | Both feet / one foot |
|---|---|
| Pronounced: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the soles, severe Achilles spasm, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances | 50% / 30% |
| Severe: marked deformity, pain on use accentuated, swelling on use, characteristic calluses | 30% / 20% |
| Moderate: weight-bearing line over or inside the big toe, inward bowing of the Achilles, pain on use | 10% (one or both) |
| Mild: symptoms relieved by a built-up shoe or arch support | 0% |
A secondary claim only works if the primary condition (flat feet) is already service-connected, and you have a nexus — a doctor's opinion that it is "at least as likely as not" the cause. Nexus letter sample and template →
Collapsed arches overstretch the plantar fascia, so plantar fasciitis is commonly granted secondary to service-connected pes planus (and vice versa).
What you'd need: A plantar fasciitis diagnosis and a nexus opinion tying it to the service-connected flat feet.
Flat feet change alignment and gait, sending abnormal stress up into the knees, hips, and lower back over years.
What you'd need: Imaging/exam of the affected joint and a nexus opinion linking it to the biomechanics of the service-connected flat feet.
Arch collapse alters foot mechanics and can lead to tendonitis, bunions, or metatarsalgia over time.
What you'd need: A diagnosis of the specific foot condition and a nexus opinion linking it to the service-connected flat feet.