The Flat Feet DBQ records weight-bearing alignment, degree of pronation, pain on manipulation, callosities, response to orthotics, functional effects, and whether findings are unilateral or bilateral.
What the examiner is filling out
The Foot Conditions DBQ (or Flatfoot/Pes Planus section) requires the examiner to record:
- Diagnosis — acquired flatfoot (pes planus) confirmed by weight-bearing X-ray or clinical exam.
- Alignment and deformity — weight-bearing line position, inward bowing of Achilles, degree of pronation or abduction.
- Pain on manipulation and use — whether pain is present, accentuated on use, and any swelling or tenderness.
- Callosities and skin changes — characteristic calluses from abnormal weight bearing.
- Response to orthotics — whether symptoms improve with built-up shoes or arch supports.
- Unilateral vs bilateral — critical for 20% and 30% tiers.
The DC 5276 schedule
Symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support. No significant deformity or pain on manipulation.
Applies to unilateral or bilateral. Pain on use and moderate alignment shift.
Objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation accentuated, swelling on use, characteristic callosities. Unilateral only.
Two routes to 30%: (a) Severe criteria (marked deformity, accentuated pain, swelling, callosities) present in BOTH feet, OR (b) Pronounced criteria (marked pronation, extreme plantar tenderness, marked inward displacement, severe tendo achillis spasm on manipulation, not improved by orthotics) present in ONE foot.
Marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
How to read the criteria
Use the criteria to understand the form
The rating schedule describes findings VA may consider. It is not a script. Describe only what is true in your own words, including frequency, duration, treatment, good and bad days, and effects on daily activities or work. Do not select or rehearse a rating tier.
Describe the full picture accurately
Accuracy reminder
Describe what is true in your own words, including frequency, duration, treatment, good and bad days, and effects on daily activities or work. Do not exaggerate, omit improvement, rehearse a rating tier, or guess. If something varies or you do not know, say that clearly.
Bring weight-bearing X-rays and photos
Recent weight-bearing radiographs showing collapse and any buddy or spouse statements describing your gait and daily limitations strengthen the objective findings the examiner must record.
Use this with the rest of the site
- ▸ Flat Feet (Pes Planus) condition guide — the full rating schedule, evidence checklist, and tactical plays.
- ▸ C&P Exam Prep generator — builds a personalized checklist for your specific conditions.
- ▸ Coach preview — free five-question preview; the dashboard organizes C&P prep and a VSO packet.
- ▸ Full C&P exam guide — the universal say/don’t-say rules that apply to every exam.
Educational content only. DBQ structures are public knowledge from M21-1 and archived sources; VA discontinued public DBQ distribution in 2020 but the rating criteria these forms map to remain in 38 CFR Part 4. Not legal or medical advice. Always consult a VA-accredited VSO or attorney for claim-specific guidance. CFR citations: 38 CFR § 4.71a Diagnostic Code 5276 (flatfoot, acquired), § 4.71a Note (measurement of joint motion), § 4.40 and § 4.45 (functional loss and pain), § 4.16 (TDIU)..