Plantar Fasciitis VA Ratings and Service Connection

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the fascia: a thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot. It is sometimes called runner’s heel, painful sole syndrome, or neuritis.

As a veteran, you may be eligible for service-connected disability compensation if you can establish a link between your condition and your military service. Under Diagnostic Code 5269, the VA assigns disability ratings of 10%, 20% and 30%, or the maximum 40% rating for loss of use of the foot.

How the VA Rates Plantar Fasciitis

These ratings reflect the level of functional loss and the extent to which plantar fasciitis impacts daily activities and quality of life. If your condition does not fit neatly into these categories or if your VA claim was denied, consider appealing for a reevaluation.

Can I Get 100% Disability with Plantar Fasciitis?

While the maximum  VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis is 40%,  you can still receive compensation at the 100% disability rate through TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability).

TDIU is available to veterans who are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment (regular work that pays above poverty level) due to service-connected conditions.

Meeting TDIU Eligibility

To qualify for TDIU, you must rely on additional service-connected conditions to meet the eligibility requirements, including: 

• Inability to Work: If plantar fasciitis contributes significantly to your inability to work, it can be included in the overall evaluation when combined with other service-connected disabilities.
• 70% Combined Rating: You must have a combined disability rating of at least 70%, with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher.

Applying for TDIU ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve when your service-connected disabilities prevent you from earning a living.

Making a Plantar Fasciitis VA Claim

To qualify for VA disability benefits for plantar fasciitis, the VA requires veterans to meet the following three criteria: 

1. Current Diagnosis: A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis from a podiatrist or primary care physician is essential.
2. In-Service Event or Incident: You need evidence of an event or injury during service that caused or contributed to their plantar fasciitis.
3. Medical Nexus: This establishes a direct connection between the in-service event and the current diagnosis.

Thorough documentation showing that your plantar fasciitis is persistent, painful, and unresponsive to normal care can help ensure you receive a fair and accurate VA rating.

What You Should Include in Your Claim 

• Proof of chronic heel or arch pain: Your records should clearly show consistent, ongoing pain that matches the typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis, especially pain during first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. 
• Evidence of failed conservative treatment: List any treatments you’ve tried, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, orthotic inserts, night splints, corticosteroid injections, rest and ice routines. If your symptoms didn’t improve despite these efforts, that’s critical information for securing a higher rating.
• Medical imaging (if available): While not always required, MRIs or ultrasounds showing thickening of the plantar fascia or inflammation can support your diagnosis and rating. 
• Functional impact statements: Your physician should document how the pain affects your ability to walk, stand, run, or work. If you have trouble standing for long periods or walking moderate distances, that should be noted clearly in your records.

Service Connection by Aggravation

If you entered military service with pre-existing heel pain or foot injuries, you may qualify for service connection by aggravation if your duties made the condition worse. This requires:

• Permanent Worsening: Proof that the condition’s progression was due to military service, not the natural course of the disease.
• Evidence of Aggravation: Medical records showing the pre-existing condition worsened during service.

If you need guidance through the claims process, VA attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on getting VA disability benefits (get it here free of charge).

Claiming Plantar Fasciitis as Secondary to Another Disability

• Flat feet (pes planus)
• Ankle disabilities
• Knee injuries
• Hip arthritis
• Lumbar strain

To secure a secondary service connection, you need:

1. A Current Diagnosis: The plantar fasciitis diagnosis must be on file with the VA.
2. Evidence of a Primary Service-Connected Disability: A previously documented service-connected condition that contributes to plantar fasciitis.
3. Medical Nexus: Proof linking the primary service-connected disability to the secondary condition of plantar fasciitis.

The C&P Exam for Plantar Fasciitis

When the VA needs more information to evaluate a disability claim, it may require the veteran to undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. 

This evaluation determines if your plantar fasciitis is service-connected and assesses the severity to assign an appropriate rating.

What to Expect During the C&P Exam

1. Physical Examination: The doctor will assess each foot, checking for tenderness, swelling, or other symptoms.
2. X-Rays: Imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis and identify any related conditions, such as calcified heel spurs.
3. Symptom Discussion: You should describe exactly how plantar fasciitis impacts daily life. This includes limitations on walking, standing, or performing other activities.

Accessing C&P Exam Records

You have the right to request a copy of your C&P exam records. If the results are unfavorable, these records can be vital for understanding the VA’s decision and preparing for an appeal if necessary.

Did You Get the VA Rating You Deserve? 

Military service often involves prolonged periods on foot, marching on rough terrain or carrying heavy loads, leading to plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions like pes planus (flat feet) and hallux valgus (bunion). If the VA doesn’t recognize this and denies your claim or assigns a lower-than-expected disability rating, the next step is to file an appeal. 

The VA will include information on how to appeal in its decision letter. To strengthen your case, you may need to:

• Submit lay evidence describing the functional impact of your condition.
• Review the exam records.
• Gathering additional evidence, such as statements from other medical providers.

You’re Not Alone 

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be frustrating, especially when dealing with denials or low ratings. At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping disabled veterans get the benefits they deserve, including higher ratings, VA unemployability benefits, and benefits for loss of use of the feet. Let us help you take the next step!

Content Reviewed by

Brenda Duplantis

Brenda Duplantis is a Accredited Claims Agent with a solid background in Social Security Disability Law and Veterans Law. She has been helping clients at Hill & Ponton with disability claims since 1991. Brenda is a member of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates.