Flat Feet Can you be avoid a military draft over flat feet? by military service. You can find all the service requirements by using google. Flat feet was not a reason for being rejected unless the flat feet cause back problems or other problems that would interfere with being an infantryman or navy man or Marine. Copyright © 2021 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. My husband has flat feet. There’s a lot of misinformation about this on the internet. Just like with several other medical conditions (like ADHD or Asthma), military service with flat feet is contingent upon the individual. Flat feet is no longer a disqualifying condition for military enlistment, provided that the enlistee does not show symptomatic flat feet. During World War 1 and 2, flat feet was seen as a disqualifying condition for 2 reasons: This myth was perpetuated by the fact that many doctors believed it would cause disadvantages for the individual while hiking on long marches. Those with flat feet are not suited to marching - they can sustain spinal damage. First of all, the whole notion of not being able to join the military because of flat feet may not even be true. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Army training consists of running long distances, balancing on obstacles, and other instances where you’re on your feet for a long duration. Keep in mind that, while you can submit a waiver, it’s not always a guarantee that it will be approved. Having flat feet is a perfectly normal condition that only becomes a problem if you’re suffering from foot pain as a result of it. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 These are actually some of the main reasons why flat feet used to be (and still is, in some cases) a disqualifying condition in the military. Due … The doctor will decide based on standard and expertise. Flat feet is a condition that affects nearly 8 million adults in the US (Reference: 1), and is characterized by the elimination of the arch in your foot. If you are a veteran with flatfoot or flat feet, you may be wondering if you are able to obtain VA disability compensation for your flat feet. Instead, in this population, there is a suggestion of more injury in high arched feet. Flat feet (also called pes planus or fallen arches) is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.. If the problem is severe enough, there are surgical operations that are available. Acquired flatfoot can happen bilaterally, meaning in both feet. As we discussed earlier, the Army and Marine boot camps can be very physically demanding. is there anything i will be restricted from or anything? Veterans with pronounced unilateral flat foot are rated at 30%. For the past two centuries, military forces around the world were skeptical of hiring individuals with flat feet because of their ability to run long distances or perform strict military duties. Step 3: Slowly stand on your tiptoes on both feet. There is a functional relationship between the structure of the arch of the foot and the biomechanics of the lower leg. Flat feet may cause veterans to bear weight in a way that puts undue strain upon the toes, eventually causing deformity. Step 2: Take off your shoes and socks, and place your feet into the water. Sometimes the pain worsens with activity. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Now keep in mind that things may have changed since I was in, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to double-check. Conclusion. The ratings are based on the severity of your symptoms from mild to pronounced flat feet. However, a certain percentage of people don’t develop arches in their feet. To get a more concrete answer, we spoke with Petty Officer Devoir, who’s a Coast Guard recruiter stationed out of Sandy Springs, GA. Yeah we’ve had plenty of people with flat feet join the Coast Guard. Good news: Most people, let alone dancers, have enough range of motion to go on pointe, says Mandy Blackmon, a physical therapist for Atlanta Ballet. (Reference: 5), Flat feet is exactly what it sounds like…. For example, if you ever thought about becoming a Pararescue (PJ), Combat Controller, or any other Special Operations job in the Air Force, you may want to reconsider. It really depends on the severity of the condition, which will be predicated on the doctors visit. Twitter As far as the podiatrist exam goes, you will need one of these 3 statements regarding your flat feet and active duty: 'Due to' 100% certain. In fact, most infants start off with flat feet, and then gradually develop an arch by the age of 4 – 5. Flat feet can affect the alignment and biomechanics of the body when a person is standing, walking, or running which can increase the likelihood of pain developing in the hips, Pronounced flat feet is when a veteran experiences marked pronation (walking on the inside of the foot), extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement, and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, and not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. i got flat feet. The flat feet condition could have started while in or after I left the military. It has been my understanding that when recruiting gets tough, they gradually remove things from being disqualifying. Most veterans do not show any signs or symptoms that are associated with flat feet. Just getting through it without any additional disadvantages can be difficult enough. Just like with the Army and Navy, this question will be answered at MEPS. Flat feet of a certain level is a disqualification for all services. Again, this condition is completely waiver-able but will depend on the individual recruit. While this c… Amanda earned her Associates degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to use that knowledge, combined with her work experience, to make a difference. Although children are at the top of the risk, they don’t require treatment for flat feet … Most people's arches develop throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches. Both the VA and the DoD award Military Disability for the Foot. With the Army, it is possible to get corrective surgery base on policies, but I’ve never heard of this before. Severe. You have flatfeet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire soles of your feet to touch the floor when you stand up.A common and usually painless condition, flatfeet can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. The Department of Veterans Affairs rates veterans with flatfoot under 38 C.F.R § 4.71a , diagnostic code 5276. Yeah it’s definitely possible to join the Marines if you have flat feet. You may also notice that you have difficulty standing on your tiptoes for long periods of time. If you have been denied or received an unfavorable decision, please contact our office to see how we can assist you with an appeal. Due to the massive unpopularity of the Vietnam war, the military was short on enlistees. How Does VA Rate Pes Planus (flat feet)? A common question people ask with the threat ofmilitary action and possible chances of World War 3 is can they get out of the draftor military service … "Floppy or flat feet may be the result of weak intrinsic foot muscles." Update: oh, … He was told that he had flat feet and he was DQ'ed for it. I was diagnosed with flat being going into the military but since I wasnt having any problems at the time I was approved to go in. If someone has “symptomatic” flat feet, which means that the condition causes the person persistent and severe physical pain, then he or she cannot serve. For example, you may show asymptomatic signs when you initially enlist and begin recruit training. The VA awards disability compensation for each Foot condition that is service-connected.The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions … That’s because the myth … “…a flexible flat foot … Veterans who have pronounced bilateral flat feet are rated at, . Linkedin. It’s a condition where, instead of having a normal arch in your feet, this arch is eliminated. All Rights Reserved. For the Army check AR 40-501 and for the overall limitations check the 2009 update of USMEPCOM 40-1 it will tell you the limits. Recruits join a strong starting point - the ‘Boot Camp’ which trains in physical strength, stamina, and skill. Flat feet and the military Thread starter Pengwuino; Start date Aug 1, 2005; Aug 1, 2005 #1 Pengwuino. Just like with the other 5 branches of the military, flat feet is not a disqualifying condition for the US Army. With the Army, it is possible that Flat feet is an issue. Can I Obtain VA Disability for Flat Feet? The Navy did not care. What will happen is the potential recruit will complete what’s known as a “duck walk” at MEPS. It was so bad that doctors and other medical professionals were inundated with requests by family members to be diagnosed with any and all conditions that might disqualify them from the draft. Facebook … Contact Us. … As a way to garner more troops, prior medical conditions that were previously a “way out” were no longer a reason for disqualification. Can You Join The Military With Flat Feet? In some cases yes, and in other cases no. For example, jobs like Paralegal, Cyberspace Operations, and even Intelligence may have you sitting at a desk for hours on end. She listened to each veteran respectfully and gave them the attention they deserved as she assisted them with the initial steps in our VA claim assistance process. For some veterans, the objective criteria in the disability rating schedule may not accurately reflect their true level of disability. Studies analyzing the correlation between flat feet and physical injuries in soldiers have been inconclusive, but none suggest that flat feet are an impediment, at least in soldiers who reached the age of military recruitment without prior foot problems. At least in the US and Canadian armies, the answer depends upon the definition of "flat feet". Recruits join a strong starting point - the ‘Boot Camp’ which trains in physical … The VA uses the rating schedule under the musculoskeletal system under 38 C.F.R. Can you join the military with flat feet? The Trump era ends with an otherworldly inauguration While I could not find an official document stating this … (Reference: 6). If you’re concerned about whether or not your flat feet will disqualify you from military service, visit your doctor. The answer depends on the type and cause of the flat feet and if the pain is felt before, during or after physical activities or standing for a while. Today we will discuss what flat feet is and how the VA rates flat feet. If the service member is already on active duty in the Coast Guard, then they shouldn’t have any problems staying in and completing their service. Despite the notion that flat feet is a fairly benign condition, there are some instances where it can be detrimental. While I couldn’t find any specific info on when it no longer became a disqualifying condition, several sources noted that it likely started sometime between World War 2 and the beginning of the Vietnam war. You can also check for yourself at home using the following tests: The best way to find out what your arch is to do a footprint test. With the Air Force, it’s up to the Chief Medical Officer and or the Surgeon General of the Air Force. To summarize, if your feet are as flat as Katy Perry’s singing, and just as painful, you may be able to get 50%. A flat foot is a condition that can be managed if there is no discomfort or pain. The word at the time is that you would be 4-F, physically unfit, if you had flat feet. Normally, human feet are curved at the lower side but if you’re suffering from flat feet, you won’t have any curve or arch at the bottom of your feet. He was told that he had flat feet … Veterans with severe bilateral flat feet can be rated at, . What would happen is we would send them to see a doctor. It is estimated that about 25% of the general population suffer from this condition, however, it is not considered life-threatening. "Flat feet" is condition of not having arch on the lower side of one’s feet. With the right waiver, you can join the Navy with no issues. (Reference: 8). Sometimes the pain worsens with activity. After 15 years of active duty and having problems with knees and feet … We spoke with Staff Sergeant Socha, an Air Force recruiter stationed out of Staunton, Virginia, to get a definitive answer. Advertiser Disclosure: This site may be compensated through the advertiser affiliate program (at no cost to you). The connective tissue will do … Conclusion. There are many potential training injuries associated with flat feet. Since that time, we have provided compassionate It was then that she discovered her true passion, helping veterans, began. If you see a foot that’s completely connected, then that means you have a very low arch. A flat foot is normal in infants and toddlers, because the foot's arch hasn't yet developed. My friend is trying to join the US Marines but they refused him because he has flat feet. I’m not aware of any problem getting VA benefits if you develop flat feet after service. These symptoms include pain in the arch or heel area, as well as swelling of the ankles. Oftentimes a veteran’s service can cause them to develop flat feet. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 The shoe inspection test can provide evidence of faulty foot mechanics. Symptomatic flat feet, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by physical pain caused specifically by your flat feet. It is true that a doctor will examine your feet at MEPS before enlisting in the Navy. I was diagnosed with flat being going into the military but since I wasnt having any problems at the time I was approved to go in. Can you join the military if you possess a flat foot? If you’re already serving in the Marines, if you have a foot issues, you will go see the medical board. Medical waivers in the military are determined on a case-by-case basis. What many don’t know is that there are also a … In any event, they will tell you at MEPS whether or not you are good to go.”. Four of them were excused by college, and the fifth was because of the medical … Step 2: Place both hands against the wall for stability. With the Air Force, recruits are basically approved on a case by case basis. At that time, I was told I had flat feet. If you have been diagnosed with chronic pain whose root cause is from the symptomatic type, you cannot serve in the US military. Copyright © 2021 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Veterans with severe unilateral flat feet can be rated at, Moderate flat feet is when a veteran’s weight-bearing line is over the medial great toe, there is inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, and pain on manipulation and use of the feet. Otherwise, known as flat feet, Pes Planus is a foot deformity in which the arch of the foot in the inside is flattened, allowing the entire sole of your foot to touch the ground when you stand up whereas a normal arch would not do so. However, a small percentage of the population do have symptoms which may affect their quality of life. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. I was diagnosed with pes planus (flat feet) in 2005 at the VA 12 years after Military service, but I got this during military service, now it is 25 years later and the VA sent me out for … flat feet in the military? It’s also referred to as “fallen arches”. yet assertive representation for our clients. The military regulations in the US specifically indicate that a person with flat feet does not meet the standards of physical requirements to serve in the military in two basic instances. With the Navy’s policy, there are waivers, but the best way to get a personal answer would be to visit your local recruiter. Secondary Conditions Linked to Flat Feet (Pes Planus) Veterans who have pes planus (or “ flat feet”) may be eligible for a VA disability rating. In this case, both feet may be flat, or one foot being flat is affecting the other. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Medical Disclaimer:  All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. In 1978 one of my step brothers went to MEPS to get into the Navy. How did they know you had flat feet? Flat Feet (Pes planus) is a condition characterized by a postural deformity where the arches of the foot are collapsed. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. I read through dozens of forum posts, with many of them saying that flat feet will disqualify you from serving in the Coast Guard. Related Article:  41 Questions To Ask A Military Recruiter. to see how we can assist you with an appeal. If you contact your local recruiting office, they can tell you more. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Veterans with pronounced unilateral (only one foot), are rated at, Severe flat feet is when the evidence shows objective marked flatfoot deformities such as pronation or abduction (when the foot cannot point straight forward from the body), pain on manipulation, and use accentuated, an indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. On the other hand, some veterans may have flat feet prior to service. All of these treatment options would be discussed with your doctor. The Air Force is probably one of the best branches of the military to join if you have flat feet. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Your butt can’t be too big. The New York Times recently wrote about the reasons for Donald Trump’s five military deferments during the Vietnam War. History of Flat Feet in the Military It’s one of those well-known myths that if you have flat feet your dreams of joining the military are over before they even started. I was drafted in 1967. It typically involves a medical exam that will include things like a visual examination, x-rays, and possibly even an MRI. You can be rated between a 0 percent rating and for more severe cases, a 50 percent rating. Aware of any problem getting VA benefits if you have flat feet never of... Feet had a lower propensity for injury inner ankle and arch considered life-threatening Disability Claim Contact US added support! Due to nature and boots, the condition was no longer a disqualifying for... 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