Claiming Plantar Fasciitis Secondary to Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
How to file a VA disability claim for Plantar Fasciitis as a secondary condition to your service-connected Flat Feet (Pes Planus). This guide covers the medical nexus, evidence requirements, and how a secondary claim can increase your combined rating.
This is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with a VSO or accredited claims agent.
Medical Nexus: Flat Feet (Pes Planus) → Plantar Fasciitis
NEXUS STRENGTH
strong
COMMONLY GRANTED
Yes
CLAIM TYPE
Secondary
What is a Secondary VA Disability Claim?
A secondary condition is a disability that was caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, the VA will grant service connection for a secondary condition if you can show a medical relationship (nexus) between your already service-connected condition and the new condition.
In this case, you would claim that your service-connected Flat Feet (Pes Planus) caused or worsened your Plantar Fasciitis.
Secondary claims are one of the most effective ways to increase your combined VA disability rating and monthly compensation.
How Flat Feet (Pes Planus) Leads to Plantar Fasciitis
Primary Condition: Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Common symptoms:
Secondary Condition: Plantar Fasciitis
Common symptoms:
Evidence Needed for This Secondary Claim
1. Nexus Letter (Most Important)
Get a medical opinion letter from a doctor stating that your Plantar Fasciitisis "at least as likely as not" caused by or aggravated by your service-connected Flat Feet (Pes Planus). This is the most critical piece of evidence for a secondary claim.
2. Current Diagnosis
Medical records showing a current diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis. VA treatment records, private medical records, or a current exam will work.
3. Service-Connected Primary Condition
You must already have Flat Feet (Pes Planus) rated as service-connected. If not, file for that first or file both claims simultaneously.
4. Personal Statement
A detailed statement (VA Form 21-4138) describing how your Flat Feet (Pes Planus) symptoms led to or worsened your Plantar Fasciitis. Include specific examples of how both conditions affect your daily life.
How This Affects Your Compensation
If granted, Plantar Fasciitis as a secondary condition will increase your combined VA disability rating using VA math. Here are 2026 monthly rates by rating:
30% Rating
$552.47
/month
50% Rating
$1,132.90
/month
70% Rating
$1,808.45
/month
Other Conditions Secondary to Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
File Your Plantar Fasciitis Secondary Claim
Use our free Claims Builder to organize your Plantar Fasciitis evidence, link it to your Flat Feet (Pes Planus) claim, and prepare for your C&P exam.