Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5276
Flatfoot, Acquired Secondary to Scars, Unstable or Painful
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Flatfoot, Acquired when it develops after Scars, Unstable or Painful.
Why Flatfoot, Acquired Is Linked to Scars, Unstable or Painful
If located on joints
Primary condition · VASRD 7804
Scars, Unstable or Painful
DC 7804 evaluates scars that are unstable, painful, or both, and it rates them by count — how many scars qualify, not their size, location, or appearance. Note (1) defines an unstable scar as one where, for any reason, there is frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar. A painful scar and an unstable scar count the same toward the tier, and where a single scar is both, Note (2) adds 10 percent on top.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5276
Flatfoot, Acquired
Fallen arches causing foot pain, imbalance, and difficulty walking.
Flatfoot, Acquired VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Flatfoot, Acquired the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Scars, Unstable or Painful — severity of Flatfoot, Acquired itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Both feet are severely collapsed and painful, the Achilles tendon spasms when the foot is moved, and orthopedic shoes or inserts do not help. |
| 30% | One foot is severely collapsed and unresponsive to orthopedic shoes, or both feet show marked deformity with accentuated pain, swelling on use and characteristic callouses. |
| 20% | One foot shows marked deformity with accentuated pain, swelling on use and characteristic callouses. |
| 10% | The arch has dropped enough that the weight line falls over or inside the big toe and the Achilles tendon bows inward, with pain on use — in one foot or both. |
| 0% | The symptoms go away with a built-up shoe or an arch support, which the schedule rates at 0 percent. |
Example combined rating
10% Scars, Unstable or Painful + 20% Flatfoot, Acquired = 28%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 20% combine to 28%, not 30%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Evidence for a Flatfoot, Acquired Secondary Claim
- •A podiatry diagnosis confirming the condition and its severity.
- •X-rays and gait analysis documenting the arch collapse and its functional impact.
Common questions about Flatfoot, Acquired secondary to Scars, Unstable or Painful
- Can Flatfoot, Acquired be service-connected as secondary to Scars, Unstable or Painful?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. If located on joints You'll need a current Flatfoot, Acquired diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Scars, Unstable or Painful…
- What VA rating can I get for Flatfoot, Acquired as a secondary condition?
- Flatfoot, Acquired is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5276 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 50%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. The rating depends on the severity of Flatfoot, Acquired itself, not on the severity of Scars, Unstable or Painful.
- How does a secondary Flatfoot, Acquired claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 10% rating for Scars, Unstable or Painful combined with a 20% rating for Flatfoot, Acquired (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Flatfoot, Acquired as secondary still typically raises yo…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Flatfoot, Acquired as secondary to Scars, Unstable or Painful?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Flatfoot, Acquired diagnosis includes: A podiatry diagnosis confirming the condition and its severity.; X-rays and gait analysis documenting the arch collapse and its functional impact.. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Scars, Unst…
Primary condition
Full Scars, Unstable or Painful guide
Secondary condition
Full Flatfoot, Acquired guide
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See how Scars, Unstable or Painful and Flatfoot, Acquired combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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