Rigid or symptomatic pes planus (acquired or congenital)
Rigid or symptomatic pes planus (acquired or congenital)
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D223.20 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to rigid or symptomatic pes planus (acquired or congenital) do not currently meet Department of Defense accession standards as defined in DoDI 6130.03.
This does not end your candidacy. Many conditions flagged under this code are waiverable. The next step is understanding the exact standard that applies to your situation and whether a waiver request is appropriate for your commissioning source.
Official Regulation Text
From DoDI 6130.03-V1, “Medical Standards for Military Service,” Change 6 (February 3, 2026)
“Foot and ankle: (1) Current symptomatic pes planus (flatfoot) or history of surgical correction of pes planus. (2) Current symptomatic pes cavus (high arch). (3) Current symptomatic hallux valgus (bunion), or history of surgical correction within the last 12 months. (4) Current symptomatic hallux rigidus. (5) Current hammer toes, claw toes, or mallet toes if symptomatic or interfering with wearing military footwear. (6) Current plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome if symptomatic or requiring treatment within the last 3 months. (7) History of metatarsal stress fracture within the last 6 months. (8) Current Morton's neuroma if symptomatic.”
“Leg, knee, thigh, and hip: (1) History of anterior cruciate ligament injury, repair, or reconstruction within the last 9 months. (2) History of anterior cruciate ligament injury, repair, or reconstruction with current instability, giving way, or persistent effusion. (3) History of posterior cruciate ligament injury, repair, or reconstruction within the last 9 months or with current instability. (4) History of medial or lateral collateral ligament injury requiring surgery, or with current instability. (5) History of meniscus tear, meniscectomy, or meniscal repair within the last 6 months. (6) History of meniscus tear, meniscectomy, or meniscal repair with current mechanical symptoms (locking, catching, giving way) or persistent effusion. (7) History of patellar dislocation within the last 12 months, or recurrent patellar dislocation. (8) History of patellar tendon rupture or quadriceps tendon rupture. (9) Current iliotibial band syndrome if symptomatic or requiring treatment within the last 3 months. (10) History of tibial stress fracture within the last 6 months. (11) History of medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) requiring treatment within the last 3 months. (12) Current Osgood-Schlatter disease if symptomatic. (13) History of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. (14) History of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. (15) History of hip labral tear within the last 12 months, or with current symptoms.”
Waiver Outlook for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Key Factors for Waiver Approval
- Documentation of full rehabilitation, strength, and agility
- No recurrent dislocations or chronic pain
- Full range of motion confirmed by orthopedic evaluation
- Active participation in competitive sports post-recovery
For scoliosis cases, the key threshold is the Cobb angle measurement. Having your own imaging and specialist evaluation ready — rather than relying solely on DoDMERB's assessment — can strengthen your case.
This condition is covered in depth in The Ultimate DoDMERB Handbook by LTC Kirkland & Capt Dach — including real success scenarios, remedial exam strategies, and the complete waiver playbook. Get the handbook →
Read Our Full Guide on Musculoskeletal Conditions
Learn how DoDMERB evaluates musculoskeletal conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.
Read the musculoskeletal guide