Veterans suffering from flat feet or pes planus can qualify for disability benefits if they establish a medical nexus to service. This is possible even if the condition was present before military service.
A flat foot is a type of foot deformity in which the arch of one or both feet is completely flattened, leaving the sole touching or nearly touching the ground.
Identifying the Symptoms
In this case, the evidence shows that the Veteran suffers from a pronounced bilateral flat foot with extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of his feet, which is not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. The symptomatology is consistent with the disability ratings contemplated by the rating schedules. The Board has determined that the Veteran’s disability does not require additional consideration. The pes planus VA rating depends on the severity of the condition and how it affects the individual’s daily life. During the April 2009 examination, the Veteran was found to have moderate pes planus with tenderness over his plantar calcaneal tuberosities. He also had a slight bowing of the Achilles tendon and mild degenerative changes of the first metatarsal phalangeal joints. He walked with an antalgic gait and used a cane. There was no evidence of edema, cyanosis or clubbing in the extremities. There was, however, a moderate amount of flexion deformities at the second and third metatarsal phalangeal joints on the right foot.
Obtaining a C&P Exam
The first step is getting a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. It can be conducted at a QTC or your local VA Medical Center.
The examiner will want to review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. You will likely have to provide a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), asking questions about the symptoms, severity, and impact on your life. It is important to answer these questions honestly, highlight the in-service incidents related to your condition, and provide specific examples of how your flat feet prevent you from performing certain tasks, such as squatting or standing for long periods.
You need a clear and provable link between your current condition and military service to establish a service connection. This is known as a “nexus.” Often, this can be proven through private medical records that clearly show you have pes planus and its associated symptoms or by a well-documented DBQ.
Obtaining a Rating
To get a pes planus VA rating, Veterans must prove three things to the VA. First, they need to have a medical diagnosis of their flat feet. It can come from a private doctor or be included in their Compensation & Pension Exam (C&P).
Second, they must have a link between their flat feet and their service. This is known as a nexus. This is often found in military medical records, private treatment records, and evidence from a neurologist.
Finally, they must have a rating for their flat feet. Mild symptoms relieved by built-up shoes or arch supports are given a 0% rating. Moderate symptoms characterized by a weight-bearing line over or medial to the big toe, inward bowing of the tendon Achilles, pain on manipulation and use, and characteristic callosities are rated 10%. Pronounced flat feet are placed at 50%.
Filing a Claim
If you believe your flat feet have gotten worse over time, it’s important to get a private medical professional to complete a DBQ (Medical Diagnostic Questionnaire). The VA is often willing to increase your rating based solely on the DBQ.
The February 2013 C&P examination noted bilateral foot pain on use and with manipulation; no indication of swelling on use; no characteristic calluses; no marked deformity of the lower extremity other than pes planus causing alteration of the weight-bearing line; nor any spasming or cramping in the toes or heel. The February 2013 DBQ noted decreased longitudinal arch height on both feet and that using orthopedic shoes or appliances improved symptoms.
The Veteran appealed a July 2013 decision of a Regional Office denying entitlement to an increased rating greater than 10 percent before April 27, 2007, and 30 percent from that date for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.
