Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5276: Flat Foot (Pes Planus) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 0% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Flat Foot (Pes Planus) under diagnostic code 5276 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5276 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support What raters look formild; relieved by support |
| 10% | Moderate; weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of tendo achillis, pain on manipulation, bilateral What raters look formoderate; bilateral; pain on manipulation |
| 30% | Severe; objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation, swelling, characteristic callosities, bilateral What raters look forsevere bilateral; marked deformity; swelling; callosities |
| 50% | Pronounced; marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of tendo achillis, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances, bilateral What raters look forpronounced bilateral; extreme tenderness; not improved by orthotics |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Flat Feet (Pes Planus). The Flat Feet (Pes Planus) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Other conditions rated under this code: Plantar Fasciitis.
What happens to Flat Feet (Pes Planus) appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 903 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Flat Feet (Pes Planus) as the primary issue. The Flat Feet (Pes Planus) condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Flat Feet (Pes Planus) appeals generally rather than DC 5276 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5276?
Diagnostic code 5276 is the VA rating schedule entry for Flat Foot (Pes Planus), found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5276?
DC 5276 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5276 require?
The 50% rating for Flat Foot (Pes Planus) requires: Pronounced; marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of tendo achillis, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances, bilateral.