A veterans final VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. Whether your case of flat feet is unilateral or bilateral will have an impact on yourVA disability rating. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. 24. 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. WITHOUT Woods & Woods I would still be stuck at 30%. When this occurs, the veteran applying for disability benefits will need to undergo a C & P exam. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20% or 30% criteria, whichever is applicable. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. 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. Sometimes pes planus is the direct result of service, whereas in other instances, it may have been aggravated by service. The C&P examiner might order X-Rays of your feet to help determine if there is objective medical evidence, such as calcified heel spurs. All Rights Reserved. Even got stress fractures on my tib/fib probably . If during your examination the VA doctor findscertain qualifying criteria, youmay be assigned a VA disability rating of 10%. Along with this, the qualifying criteria are: The exact rating that you receive in this category will depend on whether your condition is unilateral or bilateral. 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. For example, here is a 2008 BVA case decision where a Veteran received entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disorder as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. However, if you go back there might be a paper trail that ties your affliction to service-related activities. 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). Do you think you might have Plantar Fasciitis? Is there a lower extremity deformity other than pes planus, causing alteration of the weight-bearing line? Filing a claim for secondary service connection involves the same process as filing any claim for service connection. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. What many veterans dont know is that they may be able to receive service-connected disability compensation for their plantar fasciitis if they can demonstrate a connection. Veterans who do not meet these criteria but are still unable to work due to their disabilities may qualify for extraschedular TDIU under 38 CFR 4.16b. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis is rated under CFR 38, part 4, VA schedule of ratings, diagnostic code 5269, plantar fasciitis. 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. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. So, it implicates VA's bilateral factor. Please complete this form to send us your message. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Having flat feet is also a risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Is the marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Meaning, the more severe your symptoms are, the higher the VA rating for plantar fasciitis. 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. The following 24-questions will be answered by the C&P examiner on the electronic version of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for Foot Conditions, Including Flatfoot (Pes Planus). Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. How are Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis Connected? Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. 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. A doctor must also submit in writing that any secondary conditions, including plantar fasciitis, worsened strictly due to military service and not natural disease progression. 9. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Does the Veteran have decreased longitudinal arch height of one or both feet on weight-bearing? Medical records for aggravated or secondary conditions must prove that the new injury is not temporary. They may also have a legal representative submit on their behalf. 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. Due to the fact that plantar fasciitisand flat feet arecommonlylinkedand plantar fasciitis does not have its own rating codeit is often rated under thediagnostic code for acquired flatfoot. Note: Diagnostic Testing is not necessary for every condition. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is, Gout is an inflammatory disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. How to Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis, How Foot Pain Impacts Your OverallCompensation. When SC is established for pes planus and plantar fasciitis, evaluate the symptoms of both conditions together under the DC warranting the highest evaluation for the combined impairment. you viewed to avoid repetition. At the same time, many people naturally develop flat feet later in life, thanks to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. For a free case evaluation, reach out to CCK today at 800-544-9144 or throughthis online contact form. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 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! Veterans should be prepared to discuss specific ways that heel pain impacts their life, such as the inability to walk long distances. 30 percent rating when the veteran has received no relief from surgical or non-surgical treatment methods, such as wearing orthopedic shoes, inserts, or arch supports. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Does the Veteran use arch supports or built-up shoes? 12. Rating 5269 Plantar fasciitis: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral: 30 . Now that we are clear on the differences and overlap of flat feet and plantar fasciitis, lets get into the details on theVA disability rating for foot pain. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. After reviewing the medical records, the next step is to file a VA disability benefits appeal. Some Veterans may experience plantar fasciitis symptoms in both feet simultaneously or just one foot at a time. According to statistics, roughly18 million adultsin the US have flat feet and approximately2 millionsuffer from plantar fasciitis. 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. The maximum disability rating is 40 percent, and the schedule of ratings is as follows: The VA also applies two special disability ratings for plantar fasciitis. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices we represent clients nationwide. Your VAdisability rating for foot pain from pes planus or plantar fasciitis can affect your overall disability rating and compensation in a number of ways. 4. As the nature of military service involves an intense level of physicality, specifically with regard to walking or running, many veterans experience foot conditions as the result of their service. ), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses). 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. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? Here are three things that can help you in proving this and gaining compensation: At first, it might seem almost impossible to provide documented proof that something like flat feet or plantar fasciitis was caused during service. 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. Plantar Fasciitis and Flat Foot VA Ratings. 4.71a, DC 5276. 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. A 10 percent rating applies for cases of plantar fasciitis classified as otherwise. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Both of these conditions can be debilitating and cause pain in other areas such as the knees, back, and legs. On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. 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 . What is the Pain Motion Principle for Flat Feet? Ligaments and tendons from the lower leg and the foot form the arches in feet. Your final VA rating for pes planus depends upon whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral as well as the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Pes Planus is a condition of the foot in which the arches on the inside of your foot are flattened, allowing the entire sole of your foot to touch the ground when you stand up. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). Evidence of a service-connected primary disability (such as Knee Strain, Lumbar Strain or Back Pain, Hip Condition). The 50 percent VA rating is appropriate for severe bilateral 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. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. This percent rating only applies when plantar fasciitis affects both feet. The Department of Veterans Affairs changed its schedule of ratings for plantar fasciitis effective February 7, 2021. The reason it is a risk is that the arch of ones foot directly acts to protect the tissue of the plantar fascia. The highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral flat feet is 50%, whereas the highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is manipulated on use. Common examples include losing weight, wearing orthopedic shoes, wearing shoe inserts, or buying shoes with arch support. Its also important to document whether youve tried heel cups, inserts, or night splints, and if those devices help or not. If it is bilateral (affects both feet) then your disability rating may be 30%. In addition to this form, veterans will need to submit: In order to establish bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, veterans will also need to submit: In order to establish plantar fasciitis as secondary to bilateral pes planus, veterans may need to file a claim for secondary service connection. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 The body needs uric acid to break down purines that are found in certain foods,. This matter returns to the Court following a July 9, 2012, memorandum decision that, interalia, vacated, in part, an October 12, 2010, Board decision and remanded the issue of entitlementto an initial disability rating greater than 10% for bilateral plantar fasciitis. If you fall into this category you will get aVA disability rating of 0%. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. 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.. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. 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. A C&P exam for plantar fasciitis usually involves a physical examination and history of your foot condition and severity of symptoms over time. Flat feet VA disability ratings range from 0% to 50% with interim breaks at 10%, 20%, and 30% depending upon unilateral or bilateral, and the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration. Yes. The rating criteria are as follows: Flat feet among veterans can be caused by a variety of factors. Unilateral means that only one foot is affected, while bilateral means that both feet have developed symptoms. These cookies do not store any personal information. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. As servicemembers often have to run for long distances during training, sometimes wearing boots, this can cause them to develop pes planus, and in turn, plantar fasciitis. The second part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0 percent or higher. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. The VA will outline the steps involved with appealing a C & P exam in its initial communication. Do You Need Help Getting VA Disability for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis? This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Pes planus is a condition that often affects both feet. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. 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. 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%. You might even have medical records of treatment for pes planus or plantar fasciitis while in service. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? 5. Already working with us? 15. In this case, veterans must show that their pes planus and plantar fasciitis prevent them from securing such employment. A current medical diagnosis for flat feet; Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness; and. Does the Veteran have any Functional Loss due to his/her flat feet? Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. With actual loss of use of the foot, a 40% rating is awarded. How to Service Connect Your Flat Feet for VA Disability. 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. On the other hand, if youare experiencinginward bowing of theAchilles tendon as well as pain when using your foot/feet, then you may be deemed to have a moderate case of plantar fasciitis. Flat feet are a common condition thats usually painless; however, they can become painful over time due to overuse, obesity, running, military combat boots, or wearing poor insoles. Other conditions linked to flat feet in a bi-directional relationship include leg length differences, pregnancy, Marfans syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and scoliosis, obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, and diabetes. If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis that can be relieved by shoe inserts and arch supports then the VA will likely give you a non-compensable rating of 0%. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is accentuated on use. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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. For instance, which pages you go to most. A nexus linking the veterans pes planus to the veterans in-service event or stressor. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. VA rates veterans with flatfoot under38 C.F.R 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. The max rating for bilateral pes planus is 50% the max rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%. 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? What happens in the foot can affect the ankle. A medical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis (Heel Pain) in VA medical records or private records (unless you already have a diagnosis in your service treatment records). Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. The VA defines functional loss as the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and/or endurance.. 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. 23. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. The purpose of the X-rays is to verify the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis from another doctor and look for medical evidence to confirm it, like calcified heel spurs. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on April 14, 2020 by Neil Woods Last Updated on August 31, 2022. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If the VA doctor makes an incorrect analysis, you are free to contest this, in which case a copy of the C&P examination will be useful. Once the form is filled out, veterans can submit the form to VA online, in person, or by mail. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. 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. Inward displacement of the Achilles tendon must also be present as well as severe tenderness and pain of the bottom surface of the foot or feet. Under Diagnostic Code 5296, VA disability ratings for plantar fasciitis (unilateral and bilateral) are as follows: Note (1): With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40%, Note (2): If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention, but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20% or 30% criteria, whichever is applicable. bilateral foot disorder as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. Pes Planus, often referred to as flat feet, is a common foot deformity in which the arch of the foot is flattened to the point where it touches, or nearly touches, the ground. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. 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. 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. Does the Veteran have pain on use of the feet? I have only been in the military for a year from 2004 - 2005.
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bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis va rating