Rating 5269 Plantar fasciitis: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral: 30 . As with flat feet, the VA rates plantar fasciitis on a scale of mild to pronounced and awards disabilities ratings from 0% to 50%. Filing a claim for secondary service connection involves the same process as filing any claim for service connection. CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability. Although foot pain originates in the heel with plantar fasciitis, it can gravitate upwards towards the toes. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is a foot injury. Do you think you might have Plantar Fasciitis? They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. VA rates both pes planus and plantar fasciitis under 38 CFR 4.71a, the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. This percent rating only applies when plantar fasciitis affects both feet. Does the Veteran have decreased longitudinal arch height of one or both feet on weight-bearing? Heres a quick litmus test: If it feels like a knife is being jammed into the bottom of your heel, especially during the first few steps out of bed in the morning or shortly after a workout, chances are you might have plantar fasciitis. For example, here is a 2008 BVA case decision where a Veteran received entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disorder as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. 2. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is, Gout is an inflammatory disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. That can affect the knee, the hips, the back, and the neck. Work with us and well see if we can prove that your injury happened during your active duty, even if it didnt happen in combat or during wartime. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Since this is one of the leading risk factors for plantar fasciitis, making a service connection should not be difficult for veterans who receive X-rays and a proper diagnosis from their podiatrist or regular doctor. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. What many veterans dont know is that they may be able to receive service-connected disability compensation for their plantar fasciitis if they can demonstrate a connection. yet assertive representation for our clients. One of our VA disability lawyers talks about common combinations of disabilities that add up to 100% TDIU. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. Other conditions linked to flat feet in a bi-directional relationship include leg length differences, pregnancy, Marfans syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and scoliosis, obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, and diabetes. On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. Another thing to know about pes planus is that it can be either unilateral or bilateral. Your final VA rating for pes planus depends upon whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral as well as the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis is rated under CFR 38, part 4, VA schedule of ratings, diagnostic code 5269, plantar fasciitis. A 10 percent rating applies for cases of plantar fasciitis classified as otherwise. The legal firm of Hill & Ponton is here to help. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Whats more,you only have to pay for our services if we win your case for you. The only time you would then get a bilateral factor is if you have BOTH bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis. Many veterans have or develop plantar fasciitis, and common signs and symptoms include: You may get some relief by icing, taking pain medications, wearing a brace, heel inserts in shoes, night splints, and in extreme cases, cortisone shots directly into the affected area. Sometimes veterans are diagnosed with pes planus (flat feet). What happens in the foot can affect the ankle. Foot and ankle injuries can also cause flat feet. Is there a lower extremity deformity other than pes planus, causing alteration of the weight-bearing line? Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Read on to find out how to get proof that your conditionis service-related, as well as everything you need to know aboutyour VA disability rating forfoot pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, Your plantar fascia is in the shape of a bowstring, supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing shock when you walk. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition of the foot in which the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. Got administratively separated because of Pes Planus. The highest possible schedular VA disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is now 30% (not 50%), which includes symptoms such as no relief from both non-surgical (orthopedic shoes or appliances) and surgical treatment. If strained, this tissue can develop micro-tears which then cause inflammation and pain. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. These cookies do not store any personal information. Very often, flat feet cause plantar fasciitis because the arch of the foot is putting extra strain on the plantar fascia, stretching it away from the heel. Once the form is filled out, veterans can submit the form to VA online, in person, or by mail. The VA rates Pes Planus (Flat Feet) using Title 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, Flatfoot versus Plantar Fasciitis, which is rated under DC 5269. A lot of the same factors that cause plantar fasciitis can cause flat feet (aging, obesity, stress, overuse). Plantar fasciitis is the name for injury caused to the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that covers the bottom ofones foot. Okay, lets jump into how to get your pes planus rated for VA disability purposes. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. While many people might have flat feet and not experience any serious symptoms or pain, others with more severe symptoms may experience: Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a thick band that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! VA rates flatfoot under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. There are several common causes and risk factors that lead to plantar fasciitis, including having a tight Achilles tendon, running long distances on uneven surfaces, sudden weight gain, wearing shoes with poor arch support, and a drastic change in activity level. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. However, in some cases, it can become a chronic condition. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Does the Veteran have any Functional Loss due to his/her flat feet? The reason it is a risk is that the arch of ones foot directly acts to protect the tissue of the plantar fascia. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. Ratings range from 10 to 30 percent if the plantar fasciitis is affecting both feet and not responding to treatment, veterans will generally receive a higher rating. Ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis can help contribute to a veterans eligibility for TDIU. How to claim secondary service connection for a VA disability, you should call us for a free review of your case, Without Woods and Woods I would still be stuck at 30%, Your weight-bearing line is over your big toe, You experience pain upon manipulation orwhen using the foot, You have inbound bowing of the Achilles tendon, Pain when the foot is used or manipulated, Swelling occurring after use of the foot or feet, Presence of characteristic callosities (calluses), Increased pain when you move or use the foot/feet, Presence of callosities (calluses) particular to plantar fasciitis, There is marked inward displacement and pronation(inward rolling of the foot), Orthopedic shoes and inserts do not provide relief or reduce the symptoms, Your Achilles tendon spasms when it is touched, A current diagnosis of your foot condition, Record of an in-service event or aggravation, A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and the current disability. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on April 14, 2020 by Neil Woods Last Updated on August 31, 2022. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Flat feet, which is medically termed pes planus, is characterized by fallen arches and foot pain. you viewed to avoid repetition. Does the Veteran have pain on use of the feet? If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. 1. An important requirement for VA disability rating purposes is whether your foot condition is congenital or acquired. The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Many veterans suffer from various foot conditions, VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis: Common Symptoms in Veterans, WATCH: VA Disability Claims for Plantar Fasciitis (NEW Tips! The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for pes planus is to have objective medical evidence that shows how your symptoms have worsened over time. Pes planus, flatfoot, is rated for acquired flatfoot. For example, lets say you have full range of motion for your flat feet and no functional impairment or loss, but you have pain during movement, then you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for pes planus, which is 10%. Both of these conditions can be debilitating and cause pain in other areas such as the knees, back, and legs. bilateral foot disorder as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 As servicemembers often have to run for long distances during training, sometimes wearing boots, this can cause them to develop pes planus, and in turn, plantar fasciitis. Does the Veteran have pain on manipulation of the feet? Its your choice now that you know the truth and the truth will set you free. Is the marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? Because the maximum rating for this foot injury is 40 percent, veterans applying for TDIU must have at least a 60 percent disability rating from one or more primary or secondary conditions to qualify for TDIU. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] All Rights Reserved. TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability, Denied VA Benefits? However, if the veteran has actual loss of use of the foot, the rating is 40%. Also, both unilateral and bilateral plantar fasciitis are common secondary VA disability claims, especially plantar fasciitis secondary to lower extremity conditions such as knees, joints, hips, and back. DATES: Effective February 7, 2021. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. 50 Percent Flat Feet VA Rating (Bilateral), 30 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral), 30 Percent VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral), 20 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral), 10 Percent Pes Planus VA Rating (Bilateral or Unilateral), 0 Percent VA Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral or Unilateral). Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Filing a Claim for Secondary Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. Now that we are clear on the differences and overlap of flat feet and plantar fasciitis, lets get into the details on theVA disability rating for foot pain. If you are a US veteran suffering from either flat feet or plantar fasciitis that are service-connected, the VA should be paying you monthly for that disability. In those instances, the ratings for each side, the left and the right sides, are combined separately. With actual loss of use of the foot, a 40% rating is awarded. 8. List of VA Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. 13:13 Plantar Fasciitis VA Ratings in 2022, 15:15 Signs and symptoms to look for in your feet, 16:45 Plantar Fasciitis can be unbelievably painful, dont downplay your symptoms, 19:00 Here are the common risk factors for Plantar Fasciitis. To be successfulclaiming aVA disability for flat feet and/or plantar fasciitis you will need to prove that your condition is a result of activities you underwent while in service. Pes planus, flat feet, can place more pressure on the veteran's heels which can strain the tissues on the bottom of the feet and worsen plantar fasciitis.