VA Disability Rating for Plantar Fasciitis:…

Bottom Line Up Front

Plantar fasciitis is rated under Diagnostic Code 5276 (flatfoot) or DC 5284 (other foot injuries) with ratings from 0% to 50%. Most veterans receive 10-30% depending on severity. This condition is extremely common among veterans due to running, rucking, and standing on hard surfaces during service. Each foot is rated separately, and bilateral (both feet) plantar fasciitis can significantly increase your combined rating. The key is documenting pain, limitation, and failed treatments. Claims typically take 3-6 months.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis and How Does Military Service Cause It?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes. It causes stabbing heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest.

Symptoms:

Sharp, stabbing heel pain (especially first steps)
Pain worse in morning or after sitting
Pain increases with activity
Tenderness on bottom of foot/heel
Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods

Military causes:

Running: Thousands of miles on hard surfaces
Rucking: Heavy loads putting stress on feet
Standing: Long hours in formation, guard duty
Footwear: Military boots often provide poor arch support
Impact training: Jumping, obstacle courses
Weight carried: Full combat load stresses feet
Concrete/hard surfaces: Bases, ships, flight lines

VA Rating Criteria

Plantar fasciitis can be rated under two diagnostic codes:

DC 5276 - Flatfoot (Acquired)

Often used for plantar fasciitis if arch is affected:

Rating	Criteria
0%	Mild; symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support
10%	Moderate; weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of feet, bilateral or unilateral
20%	Severe; objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities, unilateral
30%	Severe; objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities, bilateral
30%	Pronounced; marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances, unilateral
50%	Pronounced; bilateral

DC 5284 - Other Foot Injuries

If plantar fasciitis doesn't fit flatfoot criteria:

Rating	Criteria
10%	Moderate
20%	Moderately severe
30%	Severe
40%	Actual loss of use of foot

Key Rating Points

Each foot rated separately under DC 5276 for unilateral ratings
Bilateral ratings available under DC 5276
Failed conservative treatment supports higher ratings
Use of orthotics shows treatment need

Evidence You Need

Service Connection Evidence

Service treatment records showing foot complaints
Sick call visits for heel/foot pain
Physical profiles limiting running/marching
MOS requiring extensive standing/running

Current Diagnosis Evidence

Diagnosis from podiatrist or orthopedist
Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI) showing plantar fascia changes
Physical examination findings

Severity Evidence

Treatment records showing failed conservative treatments
Prescription orthotics records
Documentation of steroid injections
Surgical records (if applicable)
Impact on walking/standing

C&P Exam: What to Expect

The examiner will:

Review your medical history
Examine both feet
Assess pain on palpation
Check for arch abnormalities
Evaluate gait
Review imaging

What to tell them:

Describe morning pain and first-step pain
Explain how far you can walk before pain worsens
List all treatments tried and their effectiveness
Describe impact on work and daily activities

Don't minimize pain: Tell them about your worst days, not your best.

Secondary Conditions

Plantar fasciitis can cause:

Knee conditions - Altered gait stresses knees
Hip conditions - Gait changes affect hips
Back pain - Compensatory changes
Achilles tendinitis - Related structure
Heel spurs - Often develops with plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can be secondary to:

Obesity from service-connected conditions
Knee/hip conditions causing altered gait
Back conditions affecting posture

Personal Statement Template

Personal Statement for Plantar Fasciitis

I, [Full Name], submit this statement for plantar fasciitis.

Military Service: During service in [Branch] from [dates], my feet were subjected to:

Running: [describe running requirements]
Rucking: [weight carried, distances]
Standing: [hours, surfaces]
Footwear issues: [describe]

Onset: I first noticed heel pain [during service/after specific event].

Current Symptoms:

Morning pain: [describe severity and duration]
Pain after sitting: [describe]
Walking limitation: [how far before severe pain]
Standing limitation: [how long]

Treatment History:

Orthotics: [prescription vs OTC, effectiveness]
Physical therapy: [dates, effectiveness]
Steroid injections: [number, effectiveness]
Other: [stretching, night splints, etc.]

Functional Impact:

Work: [limitations]
Daily activities: [what you can't do]
Exercise: [limitations]

I certify these statements are true.

[Signature] [Date]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim both feet separately?

Under DC 5284 (other foot injuries), each foot is rated separately. Under DC 5276 (flatfoot), there are specific bilateral ratings at 30% and 50%.

What if I've tried everything and nothing helps?

This supports higher ratings. Document all failed treatments—the fact that orthotics and injections don't help shows severity.

Do I need imaging?

While not required, X-rays or MRIs showing heel spurs, thickened fascia, or other changes strengthen your claim.

Can plantar fasciitis be secondary to other conditions?

Yes. If knee, hip, or back problems cause altered gait leading to plantar fasciitis, it can be claimed as secondary.

Resources

VA Forms:

VA Rating Information:

38 CFR § 4.71a - Musculoskeletal Ratings

This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.

Sources: VA Disability Compensation, 38 CFR Part 4, Veterans Benefits Administration