VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Pain: Complete Disability Guide
Comprehensive guide to VA plantar fasciitis and foot pain ratings, monthly compensation, evidence requirements, and successful filing strategies for foot injury claims.
VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Pain: Complete Disability Guide
Plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions are among the most common service-connected disabilities, affecting thousands of veterans. Military service creates significant foot stress through extended marching with heavy equipment, parachute operations, running on hard surfaces, and desert or mountain terrain traversal. Many veterans don't realize chronic foot pain qualifies for VA disability compensation. Understanding rating criteria and evidence requirements is crucial for claiming these benefits.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Military Causation
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. It causes sharp heel pain, especially upon waking or after extended standing.
Military service creates foot injuries through:
Extended Marching: Heavy load carrying during ruck marches, combat patrols, and field operations
Parachute Operations: High-impact landing in airborne operations straining foot tissues
Running: Physical training on hard surfaces creating repetitive stress
Terrain: Desert, rocky, or uneven terrain during deployments straining foot structures
Equipment Weight: Combat equipment and protective gear adding 75+ pounds during operations
Hard Surfaces: Concrete barracks floors and military bases creating chronic stress
Training Accidents: Ankle twists, falls, or direct trauma during operations
Other foot conditions service-connected include:
- Foot arthritis from repetitive stress
- Heel spurs
- Morton's neuromas
- Flat feet (fallen arches)
- Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain)
- Stress fractures
VA Rating System for Foot Conditions
The VA rates foot conditions using multiple diagnostic codes:
- DC 5020: Foot, limitation of motion of
- DC 5023: Foot, major abnormality of
- DC 5024: Foot, minor abnormality of
- DC 5046: Flatfoot (pes planus)
- DC 5099: Foot, other conditions
Rating is based on functional limitation and structural findings rather than pain complaints alone.
Rating Percentages and Criteria
0% (Not Rated) - No functional limitation despite possible foot condition
10% Rating - Minimal functional limitation:
- Occasional pain with extended activity
- Full or near-full foot function
- Can walk unlimited distances
- Minimal work restrictions
- Normal shoe wear tolerated
20% Rating - Mild functional limitation:
- Pain with prolonged standing/walking
- Slight functional limitation with activities
- Some shoe modification helpful
- Minimal occupational impact
- Extended activity somewhat limited
30% Rating - Moderate functional limitation:
- Pain with standing and walking (limited to 2-3 hours)
- Notable functional limitation
- Shoe modification necessary
- Some occupational restrictions
- Extended activity significantly limited
40% Rating - Moderately severe functional limitation:
- Pain with limited standing/walking (under 2 hours)
- Significant functional limitation
- Special shoes or orthotics required
- Substantial occupational impact
- Work restrictions on standing/walking jobs
50%-100% Rating - Severe to total disability:
- Severe functional impairment
- Inability to walk or stand without significant pain
- May require assistive devices
- Often combined with other conditions
- 100% typically TDIU
Monthly Compensation for Foot Conditions
Monthly compensation varies by rating percentage. As of 2025:
10% Rating:
- Veteran alone: $175-$185/month
20% Rating:
- Veteran alone: $253-$270/month
30% Rating:
- Veteran alone: $330-$350/month
40% Rating:
- Veteran alone: $470-$490/month
50% Rating:
- Veteran alone: $605-$625/month
These amounts increase annually with COLA. Combined ratings with other disabilities increase total compensation.
Evidence Requirements for Foot Claims
Medical Documentation
Diagnostic Confirmation:
- Physician diagnosis of plantar fasciitis or specific foot condition
- Date of diagnosis
- Initial and follow-up medical records
Imaging Studies:
- X-rays showing heel spurs, bone deformity, or arthritis
- Ultrasound showing plantar fascia inflammation
- MRI if detailed soft tissue imaging needed
Diagnostic Tests:
- Physical examination findings (pain with palpation, limited range of motion)
- Gait analysis if available
- Specialty podiatry evaluation
Treatment Records:
- Physical therapy records showing exercises and progress
- Medication list for pain management
- Orthotic fitting and prescription records
- Steroid injection records if applicable
- Surgical records if foot surgery performed
Functional Limitation Documentation:
- Physician notes describing ability to stand, walk, tolerate activity
- Occupational assessment if work-related impact
- Shoe modification documentation
Baseline Military Records:
- Military medical records documenting foot injury or complaints
- Training records showing injury circumstances
- Medical profiles limiting activities during service
Lay Evidence
Personal Statements:
- Description of foot injury and military context
- Current pain and symptoms
- Specific functional limitations (standing tolerance, walking distance)
- Occupational impact
- Daily activity limitations
- Footwear requirements
- Pain progression since service
Supporting Statements:
- Service members confirming injury circumstances
- Employers noting occupational restrictions
- Family members describing walking/standing limitations
Nexus Letter for Foot Claims
A nexus letter from a podiatrist, orthopedist, or primary care physician establishes service connection for foot conditions.
Essential Components
Medical Opinion Statement that foot condition is "at least as likely as not" caused by military service.
Service-Related Cause Specific explanation of how service caused condition:
- Repetitive marching with heavy equipment
- Impact from parachute landing
- Running on hard surfaces during training
- Terrain demands during deployments
- Specific injury incident
Medical Evidence Review Reference diagnostic findings, imaging results, and treatment history.
Functional Impact Assessment Description of resulting standing/walking limitations.
Quality Nexus Providers
- VA Podiatrists: Free through VA podiatry services
- Private Podiatrists: Board-certified specialists ($300-$600)
- Orthopedic Surgeons: For complex foot injuries
- Sports Medicine Physicians: Familiar with overuse injuries
- VSO-Affiliated Providers: Approved providers for veteran claims
C&P Exam Preparation
The VA frequently schedules C&P exams for foot disability claims. These are typically conducted by podiatrists or general practitioners.
Exam Components
Medical History:
- Foot injury onset and circumstances
- Pain character and severity
- Standing and walking tolerance
- Treatment history
- Current symptoms
- Occupational impact
Physical Examination:
- Visual inspection for swelling, deformity
- Palpation for tenderness and pain triggers
- Range of motion testing (ankle, foot, toes)
- Strength testing
- Gait assessment
- Orthotic or special shoe evaluation
Functional Assessment:
- Standing tolerance (how long before pain?)
- Walking tolerance (how far before pain?)
- Occupational demands
- Daily activity impact
Preparation Tips
- Specific Pain Description: "Sharp pain in heel first thing in morning," "Pain in ball of foot after walking more than 15 minutes"
- Document Standing/Walking Tolerance: "I can stand 30 minutes before severe pain," "I can't walk more than a quarter mile"
- Bring Footwear: Show orthotics, special shoes, or supportive footwear used
- Describe Occupational Impact: "I can't perform foot patrol duties," "I had to change jobs due to standing requirements"
- Medication List: Include all pain medications and treatments tried
- Imaging Records: Provide all X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI reports
- Be Honest About Function: Don't minimize or exaggerate pain; accurate description leads to appropriate rating
- Daily Impact: Describe impact on household chores, recreation, relationship with family
The examiner assesses both objective findings (imaging, exam results) and your functional limitation description.
Real Claim Examples
Case 1: Plantar Fasciitis from Airborne Operations
A former Army paratrooper filed after chronic foot pain from years of jump operations. Evidence included:
- Medical records documenting plantar fasciitis diagnosis
- X-rays showing heel spurs
- Podiatry evaluation showing significant pain with weight bearing
- Military training records showing repeated airborne operations
- Functional limitation: "Can't walk more than half mile without severe pain"
- Podiatrist nexus letter connecting airborne operations to foot condition
Outcome: 30% foot pain rating. Monthly compensation: $350. Combined with other service-connected conditions: 55% overall.
Case 2: Occupational Foot Stress
A veteran who spent 15 years in ground combat occupations filed for foot arthritis:
- X-rays showing foot joint arthritis and bone changes
- Military occupational records showing extensive patrols with heavy equipment
- Medical records documenting chronic foot pain
- Orthopedic assessment noting significant functional limitation
- Medical opinion connecting occupational demands to foot arthritis
Outcome: 20% foot rating. Monthly compensation: $270.
Case 3: Foot Injury with Multiple Complications
A veteran with multiple deployments filed for plantar fasciitis with secondary flat feet:
- Medical records documenting multiple foot injuries during service
- Imaging showing heel spurs, arch collapse
- Podiatry evaluation showing both plantar fasciitis and flat feet
- Functional limitation: "Can't stand more than 2 hours," "Specialized shoes required"
- Multiple treatment attempts documented
Outcome: 40% foot rating. Combined with other conditions: 60% overall. Monthly compensation: $490.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Pain-Only Complaints Without Functional Documentation
Simply saying "my feet hurt" doesn't justify higher ratings.
Solution: Specify functional limitations: "I can't walk more than one mile," "I can't stand more than two hours."
Mistake 2: No Imaging Evidence
Filing without X-rays or other imaging weakens claims.
Solution: Obtain foot imaging from VA or civilian provider before filing.
Mistake 3: Missing Specialist Evaluation
Filing without podiatrist or orthopedic assessment for higher-percentage claims.
Solution: See VA or civilian foot specialist before filing for 30%+ ratings.
Mistake 4: Weak Nexus Letter
Lack of professional medical nexus reduces approval likelihood.
Solution: Obtain nexus letter from podiatrist or physician familiar with military occupational demands.
Mistake 5: No Treatment Documentation
Lack of treatment suggests minor condition.
Solution: Seek physical therapy, obtain orthotics, or pursue other treatments documenting condition severity.
Step-by-Step Filing Process
Step 1: Obtain Medical Evidence
- Request all VA foot-related medical records
- Obtain recent imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI)
- Compile treatment and therapy records
Step 2: Gather Service Documentation
- Review discharge papers for injury documentation
- Collect military occupational information
- Document service conditions causing foot stress
Step 3: Seek Specialist Evaluation
- Schedule VA podiatry evaluation if not recently seen
- Or obtain civilian podiatrist evaluation
- Request functional limitation assessment
Step 4: Obtain Nexus Letter
- Request from VA podiatrist (free)
- Or obtain from private podiatrist
- Ensure letter addresses service connection
Step 5: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
- Available at VA.gov or Regional Office
- Describe foot condition and functional impact
- Explain military service connection
- List occupational impact
Step 6: Submit Claim
- Online: VA.gov (fastest)
- Mail: VA Regional Office
- In-Person: Local VA office or VSO
Step 7: Attend C&P Exam (if scheduled)
- Bring all imaging and medical records
- Bring special shoes or orthotics you use
- Describe standing/walking tolerance
- Explain occupational restrictions
Step 8: Await Rating Decision
- VA responds within 60-120 days
- Rating Decision explains approval and percentage
- First payment arrives 30-45 days after approval
Timeline Expectations
Claim to Decision: 60-120 days Effective Date: Usually discharge date First Payment: 30-45 days after approval Back Pay: Calculated from effective date
Appeal Strategies if Denied
Denial is not final. Many foot claims succeed on appeal with better evidence.
Option 1: Supplemental Claim
File Form 21-0995 with:
- Better imaging (comprehensive X-rays)
- Stronger podiatrist evaluation
- Superior nexus letter
- Detailed functional limitation documentation
Option 2: Higher-Level Review
Request senior reviewer examination.
Option 3: Board Appeal
For weak denials, request Board hearing.
Secondary Conditions
Veterans with severe foot conditions may develop:
- Knee Pain: From altered gait (10-100% rating)
- Hip Pain: From compensation patterns (10-100% rating)
- Back Pain: From postural changes (10-100% rating)
- Depression/Anxiety: From chronic pain (10-100% rating)
Filing secondary conditions increases total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get disability for plantar fasciitis if I'm using orthotics successfully? A: Yes. Rating is based on the condition itself and functional limitation, not orthotics effectiveness.
Q: What standing tolerance limits justify 40% rating? A: Generally inability to stand more than 2 hours continuously with significant pain.
Q: Should I file if I'm waiting for foot surgery? A: Yes. File with current status; supplement after surgery if condition worsens.
Q: Can I file for both feet with different conditions? A: Yes, if both service-connected. Rating is bilateral consideration.
Q: Is flat feet alone enough for service connection? A: Flat feet requiring treatment or causing significant functional limitation qualify. Simple flat feet without symptoms may not.
Conclusion
Foot disability claims are highly approvable with proper imaging, specialist evaluation, and documentation of standing and walking limitations. Functional impairment is the key—the VA focuses on how the condition limits your ability to stand, walk, and perform occupational duties.
Start your claim through VA.gov, your VA Regional Office, or with VSO assistance. Proper documentation combining imaging evidence, specialist evaluation, and clear functional limitation description, supported by a strong nexus letter, leads to successful approvals.
With persistence and comprehensive evidence, most veterans successfully secure meaningful foot disability ratings and monthly compensation for service-connected plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions.