Pes Planus, commonly known as flat feet, is a condition that many Veterans experience. The condition causes the soles of your feet to touch the ground due to the arches collapsing. Extreme pain and swelling to the feet and ankles may occur, and regular physical exercise that requires your legs can cause discomfort. For many Veterans, Pes Planus develops due to carrying heavy equipment, marching, and even standing for long periods of time.
Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does recognize Pes Planus as a condition that is eligible for disability compensation.
Pes Planus can develop for multiple reasons. Most commonly, flat feet can occur after experiencing trauma to the foot during active duty or training, or from repetitive wear and tear to the tendons in your ankle that support your feet’s arches. Common symptoms are foot pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, altered walking patterns, leg and back pain, and stiffness or limited mobility. Flat feet commonly cause misalignment which places additional stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. Furthermore, flat feet can lead to overpronation, which means that the feet roll inward excessively while walking, which increases risk of injuries.
The VA evaluates Pes Planus under the schedule of ratings for musculoskeletal conditions. The rating system is between 0 and 50 percent, with 0 percent being those with mild symptoms that may not require treatment, up to 50 percent being those with extreme pronounced symptoms in both feet. Some examples of someone at a 50 percent rating include extreme tenderness, marked pronation, and no relief of symptoms even with orthopedic shoes or devices. These ratings take into consideration both feet, but some individuals experience a unilateral rating, meaning the percentage differs for both feet.
Pes Planus can lead to other service-connected conditions, such as a bilateral ankle or bilateral knee condition. These conditions can also increase your rating if they are proven to be directly caused by Pes Planus. If you entered the service with flat feet, you may still qualify for benefits if you can prove that your time in service worsened your condition.
If you already had a Pes Planus diagnosis prior to joining the military, in order to qualify for disability benefits, it is essential that you document your new symptoms so that you can prove how your time in service worsened the condition. Ultimately, the likelihood of receiving a VA disability rating for Pes Planus depends on your ability to prove a connection.
If you are a Veteran who is suffering from Pes Planus or if your claim is denied, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to assisting you collect evidence and fight for your disability claims. Contact us today using our convenient online form to discuss your case and explore options!
