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 physical 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.
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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 Fasciitis 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. Evidence can include:
- 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
