What Is Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot from heel to toes. Veterans typically develop this condition from prolonged standing, repetitive marching, or the rigid support of military-issue boots. The VA rates plantar fasciitis under diagnostic code 5399-5400 (other foot conditions) on a scale of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 100 percent disability, depending on functional limitation.
VA Rating Criteria
Your rating depends on the extent of functional impairment documented during your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. A 10 percent rating typically applies when you have mild symptoms with minimal functional loss. A 20 percent rating covers moderate symptoms affecting gait or weight-bearing activities. Higher ratings (30 percent and above) require evidence of significant limitation in walking, standing, or use of the affected foot. The VA examiner will assess range of motion, weight-bearing ability, swelling, and whether you need assistive devices.
Establishing Service Connection
You must prove a nexus, or direct link, between your current plantar fasciitis and your military service. This is where a nexus letter from a medical provider becomes critical. Your nexus letter should explain how service-related activities (marching, boots, concrete flooring, running in formation) caused or aggravated the condition. If you filed a claim and the VA denied service connection, a strong nexus letter is often the deciding factor in appeal.
Preparing for Your C&P Exam
The VA will schedule you for a C&P exam with a VA or contracted examiner. Come prepared to describe your daily symptoms, any medications or treatments, and how the condition limits your activities. Bring documentation of your military service history showing foot-intensive duties. The examiner will measure your foot's range of motion, observe your gait, and may order imaging if needed. Be specific about pain levels on a 0-10 scale and functional limitations like inability to stand for more than 30 minutes or difficulty with stairs.
Common Claims Issues
- Insufficient medical evidence: The VA may rate you lower if your treatment records don't document ongoing symptoms. Keep all medical appointments and ensure providers note plantar fasciitis in your records.
- Weak nexus: Simply stating "I marched in the military" isn't enough. Your nexus letter must explain the specific mechanism of injury or aggravation.
- Secondary conditions: Plantar fasciitis often develops alongside flat feet, which can strengthen your overall claim if properly documented.
- Gap in treatment: A long gap between service and your first diagnosis can weaken service connection unless you explain why symptoms developed later.
Appeals and VSO Representation
If the VA rates you lower than expected or denies your claim, you can appeal. A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or VA-accredited representative can submit a Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-0995) or file a Higher-Level Review. Include new medical evidence, an updated nexus letter, or buddy statements from former service members confirming foot-intensive duties. The VA must assign a diagnostic code to your condition; verify the code matches the severity of your symptoms.
Treatment and Rating Impact
VA-approved treatments include orthotics, physical therapy, injectable corticosteroids, and in some cases surgery. Continued treatment documentation supports your rating because it shows ongoing functional impairment. If you pursue private treatment outside the VA, keep those records and submit them with your claims file.
Common Questions
- Can I get rated for plantar fasciitis if I haven't sought VA treatment? Yes, but you need credible medical evidence from any source, VA or private. The VA prioritizes its own records, but private medical documentation counts if it documents service connection and current symptoms.
- What's the average VA rating for plantar fasciitis? Most initial ratings fall between 10 and 20 percent. Ratings of 30 percent or higher typically require significant functional limitation, multiple foot conditions, or documented inability to perform occupational duties.
- How long does a C&P exam take and what should I expect? Plan for 30 to 60 minutes. The examiner will ask about your symptoms, observe your gait, measure foot motion, and may press on tender areas. Bring a list of your current medications and any orthotics you wear regularly.
Related Concepts
- Flat Feet often coexist with plantar fasciitis and can be claimed together.
- Diagnostic Code determines how the VA categorizes your condition in its rating system.