Pes planus is normally rated with a diagnostic Code 5276 and on the other hand Plantar Fasciitis is rated under the diagnostic Code 5284. Is there indication of swelling on use? Plantar Fasciitis and Secondary VA Claims, Top 3 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Flat Feet (The Insiders Guide). However, in some cases, it can become a chronic condition. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is, Gout is an inflammatory disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Description and proof of an in-service event that caused the foot pain or foot injury leading to plantar fasciitis. The diagnostic codes and criteria for plantar fasciitis and pes planus VA ratings are as follows: VA rates plantar fasciitis under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5269. In this post, Ill explain the 3 best ways to get a VA rating for flat feet along with expert-level tips for your flat feet C&P exam. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Does the Veteran have pain on manipulation of the feet? 22. A 20 percent rating applies when the veteran meets the above requirements, but the plantar fasciitis only impacts one foot. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to or proximately aggravated by another service-connected disability. For example, perhaps you entered the military with flat feet but never had plantar fasciitis. This includes things like requests fordifferent boots to be issued, requests for insoles or inserts. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). If your foot problems stem from your time in service, then youneed to get the compensation you deserve. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is manipulated on use. This is why flat feet canbe directly connected as a service-related disability. I have only been in the military for a year from 2004 - 2005. Plantar Fasciitis and Flat Foot VA Ratings. 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. If you fall into this category you will get aVA disability rating of 0%. 2. If the VA doctor makes an incorrect analysis, you are free to contest this, in which case a copy of the C&P examination will be useful. As mentioned above, individuals with pes planus have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. When SC is established for pes planus and plantar fasciitis, evaluate the symptoms of both conditions together under the DC warranting the highest evaluation for the combined impairment. 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). However, activities and conditions that place strain on the feet can often aggravate the condition, resulting in pain, tissue damage, and difficulty with movement. The final rule amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities ("VASRD" or "rating schedule") by revising the portion of the rating schedule that addresses the musculoskeletal system. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is rated at a 30 percent disability rating prior to December 28, 2012, and at a 50 percent disability rating thereafter. bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis 50% My supplemental claim was for bilateral pes planus, which after my QTC exam I was certain I would be rated at the pronounced bilateral rating of 50% due to my conversation with the examiner and her comments as she examined my feet. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 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 . As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Before we take a look at the VA rating for flat foot and plantar fasciitis, lets quickly examine exactly what these two conditions are and how they differ. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. At the same time, many people naturally develop flat feet later in life, thanks to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 4. 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. On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! If during your examination the VA doctor findscertain qualifying criteria, youmay be assigned a VA disability rating of 10%. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). Does the Veteran have any Functional Loss due to his/her flat feet? If you have flat feet but are able to find relief through the use of inserts, or orthotic arch supports, the VA will consider yours a mild and non-compensatablecondition. Is the marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? The body needs uric acid to break down purines that are found in certain foods,. WITHOUT Woods & Woods I would still be stuck at 30%. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Veterans who qualify for TDIU must demonstrate they are unable to maintain gainful employment due to a 100 percent combined disability rating. If you have unilateral pes planus (affecting one foot), youcan receive aVA disability rating for foot pain of 20%. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] If you think you have a foot disorder such as pes planus (flat feet), but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA facility nearest youto make an appointment right away. 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. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis is rated under CFR 38, part 4, VA schedule of ratings, diagnostic code 5269, plantar fasciitis. Where pes planus is bilateral and 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, a 50 percent rating is to be assigned. 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? 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. Having pes planus, or flat feet, can be an aggravating factor for plantar fasciitis. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The Department of Veterans Affairs changed its schedule of ratings for plantar fasciitis effective February 7, 2021. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Does the Veteran have marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon (rigid hindfoot) on manipulation of one or both feet? These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. With proper care and/or treatment, many cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within one year. Here are three things that can help you in proving this and gaining compensation: At first, it might seem almost impossible to provide documented proof that something like flat feet or plantar fasciitis was caused during service. Repetitive stretching and tearing of the plantar facia can result in pain and inflammation. 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. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, long-distance running (such as military PT), poor arch and heel support (e.g., military combat boots), occupations that require a lot of standing (active duty military service, perhaps combat deployments), Heel pain (especially after standing, walking, or running), 30%: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral, 20%: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral. 23. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20% or 30% criteria, whichever is applicable. 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. 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. A medical nexus, or link, connecting pes planus to the in-service event. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Both of these conditions can cause severe pain and disability. 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Then it would go in order of severity, in this case 50% for the pes planus + 30% for plantar fasciitis = VA math + 10% bilateral factor = Total disability rating? C:\USCAVC_Docs\SINGLE.CVA\AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Yes. I got medical records from when I was in service for being seen for Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis. A medical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis (Heel Pain) in VA medical records or private records (unless you already have a diagnosis in your service treatment records). The effects of flat feet can vary greatly from case to case. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. Denial after denial. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 A veterans final VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. Flat feet can also be caused by age-related weakening of the tendons within the feet. 4.71a, DC 5276. If VA denied your claim for pes planus or plantar fasciitis, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help you appeal the decision. I'm at 50% for this exact disability (bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus) You can not get a separate rating for both conditions - you would get a single lumped one as u/overcookedfantasy said. Foot and ankle injuries can also cause flat feet. 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. The 20 percent rating for flat feet is appropriate for unilateral pes planus with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc. Veterans can learn more about how to qualify for TDIU benefits here. During this, a VA doctor will assess your foot trouble and assign you a rating. The specific criteria for each VA rating are: VA also notes that if a veterans plantar fasciitis results in the loss of use of the foot they will receive a 40 percent rating. As with flat feet, the VA rates plantar fasciitis on a scale of mild to pronounced and awards disabilities ratings from 0% to 50%. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. Relationship Between Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis, VA Disability Rating for Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis, How to Prove Plantar Fasciitis Secondary to Pes Planus, TDIU for Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis, VA Disability for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, VA Disability Ratings for Pes Planus (Flat Feet), Aches or pains in the areas of the arches or heels, Difficulty performing certain foot movements, such as standing on your toes, Inflammation or damage to the posterior tibial tendon which runs from the lower leg, down to the ankle, and to the middle of the arch of the foot, Dislocated or broken bones in the legs or feet, Nerve damage, such as from peripheral neuropathy. 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. The only time you would then get a bilateral factor is if you have BOTH bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The body is highly interconnected. Does the Veteran use arch supports or built-up shoes? If you have bilateral plantar fasciitis, you could be eligible to receive a VA disability rating for foot pain of 50%. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In those instances, the ratings for each side, the left and the right sides, are combined separately. 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. Common examples include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, cysts, and bursitis. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in veterans. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus VA Rating, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. According to CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability, A preexisting injury or disease will be considered to have been aggravated by active military, naval, or air service, where there is an increase in disability during such service, unless there is a specific finding that the increase in disability is due to the natural progress of the disease.. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a flat feet VA rating: The VA rates flat feet using Title 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, Flatfoot, Acquired. To qualify a veteran must experience marked pronation (inward rolling of the foot). Another condition that may exacerbate plantar fasciitis is pes planus. The accredited attorneys and claims agents at CCK have decades of experience successfully representing veterans before VA, the Board of Veterans Appeals, and the Court of Appeal for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and we may be able to put our experience to work for you. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Flat feet, which is medically termed pes planus, is characterized by fallen arches and foot pain. The criteria stipulate that veterans must haveone condition rated at 60 percent minimumORtwo conditions that can be combined to reach 70 percent, where one condition is at a minimum of 40 percent. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Note: Diagnostic Testing is not necessary for every condition. Veterans who have plantar fasciitis and experienced the actual loss of use of the foot qualify for a 40 percent disability rating. After is it finished, it isimportant that yourequesta copy of the C&P examination. Is there marked pronation of one foot or both feet? we represent clients nationwide. The bilateral factor is when a veteran has a disability that affects either both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles. 24:00 Its important to note your foot pain may fluctuate over time. A 10 percent rating applies for cases of plantar fasciitis classified as otherwise. Many veterans suffer from various foot conditions due to their military service, including severe heel pain, aka, plantar fasciitis. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Congenital plantar fasciitis is NOT compensable or pensionable unless you claim aggravation of a pre-service condition.. To file a claim for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, veterans will need to fill out and submit VA Form 21-526, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. By law, there are three evidentiary elements that must be satisfied for plantar fasciitis Secondary Conditions: The first part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you're service-connected for both pes planus and plantar fasciitis, the VA will only count the condition with the highest rating when calculating your overall rating. Serviceenvironments are a common cause orcontributing factorof flat feet and plantar fasciitis. People suffering from plantar fasciitis typically experience pain on the bottom of their feet that ranges from a mild annoyance to so severe that they cannot put any weight on the affected foot. You will need to get an outside opinion from a non-VA doctor and argue against the original examiners conclusions. To calculate what effect yourVA disability rating for foot pain will have on your compensation package, you can use ourVA disability calculator. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. ), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses). TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. Contact Us This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We advocate for the disabled. Keep in mind flat feet can also develop after an injury or from everyday wear-and-tear such as military service. Veterans have the right to request a copy of their medical records from a C & P exam if it comes back unfavorable for establishing a primary service connection. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. These cookies do not store any personal information. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! The onset of plantar fasciitis is often so gradual that people do not seek help for their foot pain until it interferes with their everyday life. If you apply, and this is granted to you, you will be compensated at the 100% level. Any injury that happens to you during your active duty is elligible for VA disability. To qualify for TDIU, which offers monthly compensation equal to a 100 percent rating, veterans must prove they are unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected condition(s). Flat feet VA disability ratings range from 0% to 50% with interim breaks at 10%, 20%, and 30% depending upon unilateral or bilateral, and the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration. medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. VA rates flatfoot under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. For instance, which pages you go to most. Plantar fasciitis is the name for injury caused to the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that covers the bottom ofones foot. A special disability rating of 20 or 30 percent applies to veterans who received a surgical recommendation from their doctor but are not a candidate for surgery. you viewed to avoid repetition. Appealed for Total and unable to work disability since 2014. If you have undergone your Pension and Disability examination and are not happy with the result, you should call us for a free review of your case. With actual loss of use of the foot, a 40% rating is awarded. Many veterans have flat feet aggravated by military service (beyond their natural progression), in which case, youre eligible for VA disability benefits based upon aggravation of a pre-service disability, assuming you have medical evidence showing that your flat feet worsened over time. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. The Department of Veterans Affairs sometimes needs more information to determine whether a veteran has a legitimate impairment and to assign the appropriate disability rating. 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. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Rating 5269 Plantar fasciitis: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral: 30 . If you have yet to claim VAdisability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis, you should do so without delay. which may lead to all sorts of feet conditions like plantar fasciitis, pes planus, hallux valgus, and more.. The primary symptom of the foot condition plantar fasciitis is tenderness and pain on the underside of one or both feet that worsens with weight-bearing activities like walking. 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. 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. 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. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, when a partial disability results from disease or injury of both arms, or of both legs, or of paired skeletal muscles, the ratings for the disabilities of the right and left sides will be combined as usual, and 10 percent of this value will be added (i.e., not combined) before proceeding with further combinations . Is there a lower extremity deformity other than pes planus, causing alteration of the weight-bearing line? 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. On the other hand, if youare experiencinginward bowing of theAchilles tendon as well as pain when using your foot/feet, then you may be deemed to have a moderate case of plantar fasciitis. 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. 21. 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. Prokarym v. Under Diagnostic Code 5296, VA disability ratings for plantar fasciitis (unilateral and bilateral) are as follows: Note (1): With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40%, Note (2): If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention, but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20% or 30% criteria, whichever is applicable. Join our premier education-based membership program, VA Claims Insider Elite, connect with an expert-level Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes, and finally get the rating you deserve. Finally rated at 70%. 17. The photo below is an example of yellow calluses and cracking of the heel. Flat feet are considered a type of foot deformity (that can be exacerbated or triggered by strain). In this case, veterans must show that their pes planus and plantar fasciitis prevent them from securing such employment. When this occurs, the veteran applying for disability benefits will need to undergo a C & P exam. 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. They may also have a legal representative submit on their behalf. 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. However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards disability benefits for pes planus to veterans who meet the requirements for service connection. The VA will outline the steps involved with appealing a C & P exam in its initial communication. bilateral foot disorder as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. So, it implicates VA's bilateral factor. Medical records for aggravated or secondary conditions must prove that the new injury is not temporary. Whether a veteran receives a 20 or 30 percent disability rating depends on if the plantar fasciitis is unilateral, affecting only one foot, or bilateral, affecting both feet. The maximum disability rating is 40 percent, and the schedule of ratings is as follows: The VA also applies two special disability ratings for plantar fasciitis. When the tissues are overstretched and overused, tears can occur. Pes planus, flatfoot, is rated for acquired flatfoot. Is there objective evidence of marked deformity of one or both feet (pronation, abduction, etc.)? Ratings For Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, TDIU Benefits for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Get Help with Benefits for Bilateral Pes Planus, Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus VA Rating, VA Disability Ratings for Pes Planus (Flat Feet), VA Disability Benefits for Foot Conditions, Aches or pains in arches or heels of feet, Difficulty performing certain foot movements (ex: standing on your toes), Inflammation or damage to the posterior tibial tendon that runs from the lower leg to the ankle, and to the middle arch of the foot, Dislocated or broken bones in the legs or feet, Co-existing health conditions (ex: rheumatoid arthritis), Nerve damage, such as from peripheral neuropathy, Shooting or stabbing pain in the bottom of foot, A current diagnosis of bilateral pes planus; and, Evidence of an in-service event, or stressor, which caused the pes planus; and. We invite veterans to get afree online evaluationfor your VA disability claim. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. Sometimes the C&P examiner will order X-Rays of one or both feet to check for foot deformities such as calcified heel spurs. 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.