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/flat feet orthotics, or orthotics for plantar fasciitis. The ratings are 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 50%.

Key Takeaways

• The VA rating scale has five levels based on the severity of the symptoms. These are 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50%.
• The diagnostic code used by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs is 5276
• VA compensations for flat foot begin from the 10% rating, which represents mild symptoms.
• Compensation amounts are determined by both the rating and whether or not the veteran has dependents. Veterans with dependents receive more.

A Guide to Understanding Flat Feet VA Rating

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%.