Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis has its own diagnostic code (DC) 5269 with ratings that range from 10% to 30%, with a break at 20%. The bilateral factor is when a veteran has a disability that affects either both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles. However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. Work with us and well see if we can prove that your injury happened during your active duty, even if it didnt happen in combat or during wartime. 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. Veterans should be prepared to discuss specific ways that heel pain impacts their life, such as the inability to walk long distances. Unilateral means that only one foot is affected, while bilateral means that both feet have developed symptoms. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. Serviceenvironments are a common cause orcontributing factorof flat feet and plantar fasciitis. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. 5. 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 . They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Denial after denial. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. According to statistics, roughly18 million adultsin the US have flat feet and approximately2 millionsuffer from plantar fasciitis. If you have bilateral plantar fasciitis, you could be eligible to receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 50%. List of VA Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet. If yes, indicate the effect of symptoms and if the veteran receives relief in one or both sides of the foot. Repetitive stretching and tearing of the plantar facia can result in pain and inflammation. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. To be successfulclaiming aVA disability for flat feet and/or plantar fasciitis you will need to prove that your condition is a result of activities you underwent while in service. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 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. An important requirement for VA disability rating purposes is whether your foot condition is congenital or acquired. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Veterans who receive a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis after they leave the military may be able to claim a secondary service connection if they can prove their heel pain developed or worsened due to a condition such as existing knee, hip, or back pain. However, those with more severe cases may experience symptoms such as: Pes planus may also aggravate or lead to plantar fasciitis. This percent rating can apply to one or both feet. 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. medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. A C&P exam for flat feet involves a physical examination of the feet for tenderness, swelling, calluses, pain, and functional impairment or loss, as well as a walking test for overpronation. The only time you would then get a bilateral factor is if you have BOTH bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis. A 10 percent rating applies for cases of plantar fasciitis classified as otherwise. 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. Veterans who plan to file for disability compensation should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis. Plantar Fasciitis and Flat Foot VA Ratings. 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. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. For example, perhaps you entered the military with flat feet but never had plantar fasciitis. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. 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). Any injury that happens to you during your active duty is elligible for VA disability. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. 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. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. I got medical records from when I was in service for being seen for Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis. 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%). The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for pes planus is to have objective medical evidence that shows how your symptoms have worsened over time. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is accentuated on use. 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. If tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Another marker is if the condition is not relieved in any way by foot supports. Through the rating criteria in this code, the VA will evaluate your symptoms and give you a rating on a scale of 0% (mild disability)to 50% (pronounced disability). To get your VA claim for flat feet approved, you need to prove 3 essential elements: How Do I Get a Flat Feet VA Disability Rating? 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. We have updated our Privacy Policy. 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. Does the Veteran have any Functional Loss due to his/her flat feet? 24. While many people might have flat feet and not experience any serious symptoms or pain, others with more severe symptoms may experience: Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a thick band that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. A 20 percent rating applies when the veteran meets the above requirements, but the plantar fasciitis only impacts one foot. Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Filing a Claim for Secondary Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis. 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%. Already working with us? 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. If you have been denied disability, orhave received a wrongful ratingwe can help. 14. Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation deep within the fascia of the sole of the foot. There are several risk factors for flat feet including: Obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, and diabetes. To qualify a veteran must experience marked pronation (inward rolling of the foot). 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 30 percent VA rating is appropriate for severe unilateral 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. If VA denied your claim for pes planus or plantar fasciitis, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help you appeal the decision. Even got stress fractures on my tib/fib probably . Does the Veteran have marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon (rigid hindfoot) on manipulation of one or both feet? For one, you will have to prove that your symptoms are directly related to your time in service. Ratings range from 10 to 30 percent if the plantar fasciitis is affecting both feet and not responding to treatment, veterans will generally receive a higher rating. Note: Provide the impact of only the diagnosed condition(s), without consideration of the impact of other medical conditions or factors, such as age. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! ), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses). Fill out the short form below to contact us. What are the Flat Feet VA Disability Ratings? However, certain activities that place strain on the feet can trigger or cause the symptoms. Also note that you might have entered military service with flat feet, which is known as a pre-service disability.. Many people who have flat feet or fallen arches never experience pain or impedimentswith walking. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to or proximately aggravated by another service-connected disability. 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! 13. 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. Heres a quick litmus test: If it feels like a knife is being jammed into the bottom of your heel, especially during the first few steps out of bed in the morning or shortly after a workout, chances are you might have plantar fasciitis. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. 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. 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. Military service is a known cause of foot injuries and foot pain since soldiers stand much of the time and carry loads on their backs that can weigh up to 50 pounds. Flat feet, which is medically termed pes planus, is characterized by fallen arches and foot pain. If yes, (there is a functional loss due to pain, during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time), please describe the functional loss as well as cite and discuss evidence (must be specific to the case and based on all procurable evidence). VA rates both pes planus and plantar fasciitis under 38 CFR 4.71a, the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System. 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? All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? This can strain the tissues on the bottom of the feet and worsen plantar fasciitis. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. If you are a US veteran suffering from either flat feet or plantar fasciitis that are service-connected, the VA should be paying you monthly for that disability. 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. 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. 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. However, if the veteran has actual loss of use of the foot, the rating is 40%. 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. A nexus linking the veterans pes planus to the veterans in-service event or stressor. Does the Veteran have extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces on one or both feet? 38 C.F.R. you viewed to avoid repetition. The condition wouldn't get the bilateral factor unless there was another lower extremity issue like say a knee or ankle condition. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. 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. Does the Veteran have Functional Impact to their work, life, and social functioning? Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. If youre trying to increase your VA disability rating for flat feet, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant the higher rating criteria by law. Pain may start in the heel and move towards the toes. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Plantar fasciitis is the name for injury caused to the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that covers the bottom ofones foot. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Pes planus is a condition that often affects both feet. What is the Pain Motion Principle for Flat Feet? Having flat feet is also a risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis. When the tissues are overstretched and overused, tears can occur. 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Both of these conditions can be debilitating and cause pain in other areas such as the knees, back, and legs. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. 21:30 Request a referral from your primary care or VA doctor to see a Podiatrist. There are several types of evidence that may help support your claim for secondary service connection, including: If your pes planus and plantar fasciitis prevent you working, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability, or TDIU. Hill & Ponton P.A. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards disability benefits for pes planus to veterans who meet the requirements for service connection. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Is the condition improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). During a C & P exam for plantar fasciitis, a doctor may take X-rays and likely physically examine each foot. If so, the rating you receive for this will impact your existing rating. 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. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. When these tendons do not pull properly, the foot has little or no arch, resulting in flat feet. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Congenital means a disease or physical abnormality present since birth, whereas Acquired means a disease or physical abnormality that developed after birth. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Common causes and risk factors for developing flat feet include: Other risk factors, such asobesityand partaking in frequent high-impact physical activity, like military training, may also lead to the development of flat feet. 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.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); They brought me from being stuck at 30%. Plantar Fasciitis and Secondary VA Claims, Top 3 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Flat Feet (The Insiders Guide). 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? Additionally, people who work in professions that require long periods of time on their feet or who participate in certain forms of exercise, such as running, face an increased risk of developing pes planus or plantar fasciitis. If you have bilateral plantar fasciitis, you could be eligible to receive a VA disability rating for foot pain of 50%. We invite veterans to get afree online evaluationfor your VA disability claim. 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 regards to the joints, factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. The podiatrist will take X-rays and recommend the least invasive method possible for treating plantar fasciitis. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis is rated under CFR 38, part 4, VA schedule of ratings, diagnostic code 5269, plantar fasciitis. 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. 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. VA rates flatfoot under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. 12. The body needs uric acid to break down purines that are found in certain foods,. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. 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. 21. 23. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. Standing for extended periods and activities such as running can often trigger symptoms of pes planus. However, in some cases, it can become a chronic condition. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. If your military service aggravated your flat feet (made it worse), leading to plantar fasciitis (severe heel pain), you can still be rated and compensated under the law. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Having pes planus, or flat feet, can be an aggravating factor for plantar fasciitis. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. Once such arthritis has been documented, even if in the past, no further imaging studies are required by VA, even if arthritis has worsened. Pes planus, flat feet, can place more pressure on the veteran's heels which can strain the tissues on the bottom of the feet and worsen plantar fasciitis. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. This includes things like requests fordifferent boots to be issued, requests for insoles or inserts. A C&P exam for plantar fasciitis usually involves a physical examination and history of your foot condition and severity of symptoms over time. 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. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis has its own diagnostic code (DC) 5269 with ratings that What are Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans? 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. 13:13 Plantar Fasciitis VA Ratings in 2022, 15:15 Signs and symptoms to look for in your feet, 16:45 Plantar Fasciitis can be unbelievably painful, dont downplay your symptoms, 19:00 Here are the common risk factors for Plantar Fasciitis.