Every step hurts. You get a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot when you try to walk, and your foot aches, even when you’re just sitting. The pain worsens in the morning and when you try to do any activity. You may have plantar fasciitis. If you do, it could be connected to your military service, especially if you spent a lot of time running, jumping, or standing while in the service.
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If you are a veteran with a foot condition like plantar fasciitis, you could be eligible to receive VA disability benefits. This post explains plantar fasciitis, its connection to other conditions like flat feet, and how it can be related to your military service.
In this article about plantar fasciitis VA rating:
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the rubber band-like ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. It goes from your heel all the way to your toes, connecting the bones in your foot and forming the arch.
The condition develops when you overuse or injure the plantar fascia ligament. This causes swelling and pain, and makes it difficult to move your foot. It can impact one or both feet.
Veterans may be at greater risk for developing plantar fasciitis because of the rigors of training and military service, including running or jumping (especially on unstable surfaces) and standing for long periods.
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Plantar fasciitis VA ratings
The VA rates plantar fasciitis with diagnostic code 5269 in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, depending on the severity of symptoms following treatment and whether it’s in both feet (bilateral) or one foot (unilateral). The rating is as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| With the loss of use of the foot | 40% | $755.28 |
| No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral | 30% | $524.31 |
| No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral | 20% | $338.49 |
| Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral | 10% | $171.23 |
If a veteran is recommended for surgery but it is determined they are not a candidate, they should be evaluated under the 20% or 30% criteria, depending on which is most applicable.
Bilateral plantar fasciitis VA rating
Plantar fasciitis can affect just one foot or both feet. When it affects both feet, this may be referred to as bilateral plantar fasciitis.
The VA can apply the bilateral factor when you have a condition in both feet. This factor exists because disabilities that affect both sides of the body can be more physically limiting.
In the case of plantar fasciitis, however, the bilateral factor does not apply. The rating criteria already takes into account whether one or both feet are affected, and this will help determine the veteran’s rating.
Plantar fasciitis affecting only one foot cannot receive higher than a 20% rating, unless there is complete loss of use of the foot.
In such a case where the veteran can no longer use their foot, they would be eligible for additional compensation not through the bilateral factor, but instead through special monthly compensation (SMC).
Bilateral plantar fasciitis can warrant a 10%, 30% or 40% rating.
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Plantar fasciitis and related conditions
Veterans can receive a secondary service connection for any health issue related to a service-connected condition.
Conditions that may be service-connected and sometimes result in the development of plantar fasciitis include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
More commonly, plantar fasciitis can be linked to flat feet.
Flat feet and plantar fasciitis
Flat feet, or no arch in the bottom of the foot, can cause plantar fasciitis. People with flat feet walk in a way that strains the plantar fascia muscle.
Having flat feet doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop plantar fasciitis. However, if you do, the conditions may be related, and you could be eligible for a VA disability rating for both. Many veterans experience both service-connected plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
Because many veterans have both plantar fasciitis and flat feet, some may be seeking VA disability for both conditions. The VA rates flat feet with diagnostic code 5276 in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, depending on the symptoms and whether it’s bilateral or unilateral. The rating is as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Pronounced; marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances | Bilateral: 50% Unilateral: 30% | [VArating50] [VArating30] |
| Severe; objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities | Bilateral: 30% Unilateral: 20% | [VArating30] [VArating20] |
| Moderate; weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of the tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of the feet, bilateral or unilateral | 10% | $171.23 |
| Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support | 0% | None |
How you walk when you have plantar fasciitis or flat feet can cause other medical conditions that you may also be able to connect. These can include hip or knee problems and over time, obesity. Obesity can result in diabetes, high blood pressure, and more, turning one health issue into many.
TDIU for plantar fasciitis and other foot problems
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for plantar fasciitis or related conditions. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.
Veterans with plantar fasciitis and other foot problems may struggle to stand or move around in the workplace. Related hip or knee problems could make sitting at a desk equally uncomfortable.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
How Woods and Woods can help
The VA-accredited attorneys at Woods and Woods have helped thousands of veterans nationwide get the disability benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, it can be. If you can prove that the conditions were caused by your military service or are related to another service-connected disability, you can receive benefits for flat feet with plantar fasciitis.
To prove plantar fasciitis to the VA, you have a compensation and pension exam that clearly diagnose the condition and traces it back to an injury or event during your military service.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
