A current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis; and, Medical evidence demonstrating the link between pes planus and plantar, Veterans with pronounced unilateral flat foot are rated at, Veterans with severe bilateral flat feet are rated at, Veterans with severe unilateral flat foot are rated at. The rating schedule is as follows: If a veteran has bilateral pes planus, with plantar fasciitis, they should be eligible for a 50 percent rating for their pronounced bilateral pes planus, and a 30 percent rating for their plantar fasciitis since it affects both feet. You will need to get an outside opinion from a non-VA doctor and argue against the original examiners conclusions. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. If you apply, and this is granted to you, you will be compensated at the 100% level. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Veterans who have plantar fasciitis and experienced the actual loss of use of the foot qualify for a 40 percent disability rating. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to or proximately aggravated by another service-connected disability. Okay, veterans lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis. We have updated our Privacy Policy. A doctor must also submit in writing that any secondary conditions, including plantar fasciitis, worsened strictly due to military service and not natural disease progression. If so, the rating you receive for this will impact your existing rating. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. It involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (called the Plantar Fascia). This information is not a substitute for legal advice. During this, a VA doctor will assess your foot trouble and assign you a rating. For example, it may be that your condition is asecondary service-connected disability. If during your examination the VA doctor findscertain qualifying criteria, youmay be assigned a VA disability rating of 10%. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. With proper care and/or treatment, many cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within one year. VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. How to Increase Your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis: The Expert's The VA defines functional loss as the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and/or endurance.. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. 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. If you're service-connected for bilateral pes planus, that's likely the higher rating due to the addition of the bilateral factor (when you have a condition on both sides of . Plantar fasciitis is most common among runners, athletes, and people whose job requires them to stand on a hard surface for much of the day. Pes planus is normally rated with a diagnostic Code 5276 and on the other hand Plantar Fasciitis is rated under the diagnostic Code 5284. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. THEN 30 and THEN 50%. Top 3 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Flat Feet (The Insider's Guide) Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis has its own diagnostic code (DC) 5269 with ratings that What are Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans? Note: Diagnostic Testing is not necessary for every condition. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. For instance, which pages you go to most. An important requirement for VA disability rating purposes is whether your foot condition is congenital or acquired. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Description and proof of an in-service event that caused the foot pain or foot injury leading to plantar fasciitis. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. 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. TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability, Denied VA Benefits? This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus VA Rating | CCK Law Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation.. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Keep in mind flat feet can also develop after an injury or from everyday wear-and-tear such as military service. VA rates flatfoot under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. However, if the veteran has actual loss of use of the foot, the rating is 40%. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples. A 20 percent rating applies when the veteran meets the above requirements, but the plantar fasciitis only impacts one foot. All Rights Reserved. Common examples include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, cysts, and bursitis. The VA is notorious for under rating disabilities, therefore if you have received an incorrect rating or been denied disability it is essential that you follow up. How to Service Connect Your Flat Feet for VA Disability. 24:00 Its important to note your foot pain may fluctuate over time. Does the Veteran have any Functional Loss due to his/her flat feet? Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. If you feel that you received an inaccurate or unfair rating, be aware that you can appeal this by requesting aVA higher-level review. TheMayo Clinicreports the following risk factors associated with the development of plantar fasciitis: Sometimes doctors misdiagnose plantar heel pain or generalized foot pain as plantar fasciitis when the condition is something entirely different. The C&P examiner might order X-Rays of your feet to help determine if there is objective medical evidence, such as calcified heel spurs. Please complete this form to send us your message. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. The 10 percent VA rating for pes planus is appropriate for moderate symptoms such as 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. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. All Rights Reserved. Flat feet are considered a type of foot deformity (that can be exacerbated or triggered by strain). Both of these conditions can be debilitating and cause pain in other areas such as the knees, back, and legs. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? you viewed to avoid repetition. Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time? 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. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis is rated under CFR 38, part 4, VA schedule of ratings, diagnostic code 5269, plantar fasciitis. Pes planus, flatfoot, is rated for acquired flatfoot. Top 5 Facts for Veterans with Flat Feet VA Disability Claim They may also have a legal representative submit on their behalf. If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis that can be relieved by shoe inserts and arch supports then the VA will likely give you a non-compensable rating of 0%. Standing for extended periods and activities such as running can often trigger symptoms of pes planus. List of Common Conditions Secondary to Flat Feet: Can I Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis? PDF United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims In 2022, flat feet VA disability ratings range from 0 percent to 50 percent, with interim breaks at 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent. I started with 20% due to diabetes Agent Orange. Lastly, if your foot pain VA disability is so bad that you have effectively lost the use of them, you mayqualify for loss of use with the VA. Doctors and patients sometimes refer to plantar fasciitis as runners heel, painful sole syndrome, or neuritis. There are generally two ways that a veteran can qualify for TDIU: Forschedular TDIU, veterans must meet the criteria listed under38 CFR 4.16a. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Some Veterans may experience plantar fasciitis symptoms in both feet simultaneously or just one foot at a time. 12. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 disability ratings for shin splints, go here! Sometimes pes planus is the direct result of service, whereas in other instances, it may have been aggravated by service. Another condition that may exacerbate plantar fasciitis is pes planus. Pes planus is a condition that often affects both feet. How to handle your C&P Exam for your VA benefits. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is, Gout is an inflammatory disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. VA Disability for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are two very common foot conditions that affect veterans. 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. You might even have medical records of treatment for pes planus or plantar fasciitis while in service. Is the tenderness improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? bilateral foot disorder as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). However, if a veteran has both conditions diagnosed, with similar symptoms for each disability, according to the higher of two evaluations principle, the higher rating will be assigned if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. 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%. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The criteria for pes planus or plantar fasciitis for a 10-percent evaluation in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5276 include "pain on manipulation and use of the feet, unilateral or bilateral." The criteria for higher evaluations include findings such as accentuated pain on manipulation and use or extreme tenderness of the "plantar surfaces of the feet." The most severecategory of pes planus is pronounced, and depending on whether the affliction is bilateral or unilateral a veteran can receive aVA disability rating for foot pain of 30-50%. The 50 percent VA rating is appropriate for severe bilateral flat feet pronounced with 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. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. The most common and primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is the feeling of tenderness and pain on the sole of the foot that gets worse with walking and other weight-bearing activities. 20. Pes Planus, often referred to as flat feet, is a common foot deformity in which the arch of the foot is flattened to the point where it touches, or nearly touches, the ground. VA Disability for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and describe the lower extremity deformity other than pes planus causing alteration of the weight-bearing line. However, those with more severe cases may experience symptoms such as: Pes planus may also aggravate or lead to plantar fasciitis. According to statistics, roughly18 million adultsin the US have flat feet and approximately2 millionsuffer from plantar fasciitis. This will receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 10%. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Veterans who receive a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis leaving the military might still be eligible if medical evidence shows heel pain is proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability such as knee strain, hip conditions, and/or back conditions. A medical nexus, which offers proof the health condition for which the veteran requests VA disability benefits was caused (or worsened) by his or her military service. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. The 20 percent rating for flat feet is appropriate for unilateral pes planus with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc. To be categorized as having severe plantar fasciitis, the followingcriteria need to be present: If you have plantar fasciitis in one foot, you may be eligible forVAdisability rating for foot pain of 20%. 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. Pes planus, often known as flat feet, is a foot deformity where the arch of the foot is flattened to the point where it may even touch the ground. 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! Whats more, if you do not have a 100% disability rating, but are unable to work because of your foot conditionyou may beentitled tototal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Foot and ankle injuries can also cause flat feet. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 At the same time, many people naturally develop flat feet later in life, thanks to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. VA rates both pes planus and plantar fasciitis under 38 CFR 4.71a, the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System. With actual loss of use of the foot, a 40% rating is awarded. 11. 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. For example, if you have both severe bilateral flat feet and severe bilateral plantar fasciitis, the VA Rater should grant the 50% rating for pes planus because its the higher of the two ratings (the maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%). Is the condition improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Veterans who plan to file for disability compensation should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis. 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. Is there marked pronation of one foot or both feet? On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. In addition to this form, veterans will need to submit: In order to establish bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, veterans will also need to submit: In order to establish plantar fasciitis as secondary to bilateral pes planus, veterans may need to file a claim for secondary service connection. 16. Click the button below to start for FREE. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. 38 C.F.R. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). In this case, veterans must show that their pes planus and plantar fasciitis prevent them from securing such employment. 13. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards disability benefits for pes planus to veterans who meet the requirements for service connection. How are Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis Connected? This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. Is there evidence of pain on any of the following? 3. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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.