
Symptoms of Flat Feetįor many veterans, flat feet start as mild pain in the feet and ankles. Veterans who have flat feet due to military service may be entitled to monthly disability payments from the VA.

The condition can be painful, leading to loss of mobility. The fallen arch of a flat foot is evidence of physical damage that changes the anatomy of the foot. Flat feet aren’t just about how high the foot’s arch is. Flat feet, sometimes called pens planus, is a common, if misunderstood, condition. Veterans are often at risk for problems with their feet, knees, and ankles. Sometimes the effects of that kind of damage won’t be apparent until years later. Even without significant injuries, the strain of physical work puts pressure on the body, which leads to a risk of repetitive motion injuries.


Significant injuries from training or combat are a common source of chronic disability for veterans. Military service can lead to many types of bone and ligament damage.
