The VA rating for plantar fasciitis determines how much disability compensation a veteran may receive for this painful foot condition. Understanding how the VA rating for plantar fasciitis is assigned can help you build a stronger claim and receive the benefits you deserve for your service-connected condition.
Sometimes referred to as runner’s heel, plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the fascia, a type of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting your toes to your heel bone. If you are a veteran experiencing plantar fasciitis, you may be eligible for service-connected disability compensation if a link can be established between your condition and military service.
Plantar Fasciitis in Veterans
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in veterans. The condition, an inflammation of the connective tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of the foot, is typically more pronounced in the morning and starts as a stabbing pain or throbbing that begins in the heel and spreads to the toes. You may experience tenderness in the sole of your foot, especially after long periods of standing or walking. The pain can get so severe that it prohibits you from bearing weight on the afflicted foot.
Inflammation of the plantar fascia is a repetitive use injury common in veterans, often as a result of:
- Foot injuries during deployment or training
- Wearing rigid, heavy boots
- Carrying heavy gear
- Long hours on hard surfaces
- Repetitive running or marching
- Overuse
- Accident
Pain will likely flare up after running, marching, or standing, and may be accompanied by tenderness, swelling, or stiffness around the heel.
Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become chronic, affecting your mobility, job performance, and overall quality of life.
How Does the VA Rate Plantar Fasciitis?
When determining the VA rating for plantar fasciitis, the Department of Veterans Affairs looks at how the condition limits mobility and daily function. Plantar fasciitis is listed on the VA’s musculoskeletal rating schedule under conditions affecting the foot. Eligibility for compensation requires a podiatrist’s diagnosis. The doctor will order X-rays and conduct a physical examination to look for evidence of plantar fasciitis in your feet, like calcified heel spurs.
Your doctor may discuss surgery or non-surgical treatment options, such as orthotic inserts, orthopedic shoes, or weight loss. You may also receive medical documentation to prove that a military-connected illness, injury, or event caused your condition. Medical documentation from a podiatrist will be essential in supporting your claim for the appropriate VA rating for plantar fasciitis.
VA Ratings for Plantar Fasciitis
The VA rating for plantar fasciitis ranges from 10% to 40%, depending on how severe the condition is and whether one or both feet are affected.
- 10% (Unilateral or Bilateral): This rating applies in cases of plantar fasciitis in which neither surgery nor non-surgical treatment is required.
- 20% (Unilateral): This rating is given when one foot is affected by plantar fasciitis with no relief from both surgical and non-surgical treatment. It is also assigned when surgery was advised, but the veteran fails to be a candidate for the procedure.
- 30% (Bilateral): This rating is applied when both feet are impacted by plantar fasciitis, and neither surgical nor non-surgical treatment methods, such as arch supports, inserts, or orthopedic shoes, provide relief. This rating is also given to veterans with plantar fasciitis in both feet who were recommended for surgery but are not candidates for the procedure.
- 40%: Reserved for veterans who have lost the use of the foot due to plantar fasciitis.
Each VA rating for plantar fasciitis reflects the level of pain, mobility loss, and response to treatment. 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 You Get 100% Disability (TDIU) for Plantar Fasciitis?
Total disability individual unemployability (TDIU) is awarded to veterans who are unable to work, although they do not have an assigned 100% disabled rating. With a TDIU status, veterans can receive benefits as if they had a 100% disability rating, regardless of the actual rating.
Since 40% is the maximum VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis, veterans applying for TDIU must have additional service-connected conditions to meet the eligibility requirements. Specifically:
- Veterans must have a combined disability rating of at least 70%, with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher to qualify for TDIU.
- If plantar fasciitis contributes significantly to a veteran’s inability to work, it can be included in the overall evaluation when combined with other service-connected disabilities.
If you are a veteran who cannot work because of plantar fasciitis and its related conditions, you should consider applying for TDIU to make sure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. A VA-accredited attorney at VetLaw can help you gather necessary evidence to ensure your claim goes smoothly.
Secondary Conditions to Plantar Fasciitis
If you were diagnosed with plantar fasciitis after military service, you may still qualify for VA disability benefits if it developed or worsened because of another service-connected condition. In this case, plantar fasciitis would be considered a secondary condition.
To qualify for a secondary service connection for plantar fasciitis, you must have:
- A current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis on file with the VA
- Evidence of a primary service-connected disability
- A medical nexus linking the primary condition to your plantar fasciitis
Common service-connected conditions that can lead to or worsen plantar fasciitis include:
- Knee injuries or instability
- Hip conditions that alter gait
- Lower back pain or spinal issues
- Ankle injuries
- Foot deformities such as flat feet
Let VetLaw Help You Get the VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis You Deserve
Plantar fasciitis can make it hard to do the things you love. If you’re unsure how the VA rating for plantar fasciitis applies to your situation, VetLaw can help. Our experienced VA-accredited attorneys know what it takes to secure the correct VA rating for plantar fasciitis and ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned.
Contact us today online or at (336) 355-8387 for a FREE case evaluation.
