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A Guide to Understanding Flat Feet VA Rating
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses a specific rating system under Diagnostic Code 5276 to decide how much compensation a veteran would get for flat feet. The ratings are 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 50%.
Rating Levels
Here are the rating levels and what they indicate:
0% Rating – This rating indicates that the case of flat feet is noted and acknowledged but that it is asymptomatic and does not result in any real disability. For this rating, no monthly compensation is paid.
10% Rating – A 10% rating means that the vet is experiencing some mild symptoms like some discomfort and pain which can be relieved with the use of supporting shoes and orthotics. The same rating applies whether it affects just one foot (unilateral) or the two feet (bilateral). The compensation for this, based on the VAs 2025 compensation rates is about $171.23.
20% Rating – This means that the symptoms are quite severe, resulting in visible deformities like abduction and pronation. It also means that pain increases when you stand or move, and that there may be swelling and calluses. All of these are however restricted to just one foot, meaning that the symptom is unilateral. Compensation for this will be around $338.49
30% Rating – This rating indicates the same symptoms as 20% rating above but for the two feet. So the rating is elevated to 30% if the severe symptoms described for 20% is bilateral. The compensation for this rating is $524.31. From this level, the veteran can get more in compensation if they have dependents.
50% Rating – This is the highest rating and indicates extremely severe symptoms in both feet for which orthotics do not offer any relief. Such symptoms include muscle spasm, inward rotation of the ankle, calluses, severe pain, bowing of the Achilles tendons, tenderness of the area over the plantar fascia, and more. The compensation for this if there are no dependents is about $1,075.16.
Remember that compensation will increase for veterans with dependents if their flat feet VA rating is 30% or 50%.
