Plantar Fasciitis VA Disability Ratings

Veterans may encounter plantar fasciitis, a common heel condition, due to various factors like carrying heavy equipment or prolonged walking during military service.

If you or a loved one developed plantar fasciitis during military service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits based on your symptoms. Read on to learn about plantar fasciitis in veterans and what are plantar fasciitis VA disability ratings.

Defining Plantar Fasciitis And Its Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis is a medical condition that results in inflammation of the plantar fascia, resulting in heel pain.

The plantar fascia is a resilient and fibrous tissue band stretching along the soles of your feet. It attaches the heel bone to the base of the toes, aiding in walking and foot movement mechanics. Imagine it as a supportive band that maintains the arch of your foot.

Nonetheless, the plantar fascia is not impervious to damage. When you put weight on your foot while standing, walking, or carrying heavy equipment, you subject the plantar fascia to significant tension and stress. Overuse or sudden excessive strain can cause the plantar fascia to lose its elasticity and resilience, leading to irritation, inflammation, or swelling.

Common Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis

• Plantar fasciitis causes varying degrees of pain, which can begin sharply or increase gradually. The pain is typically felt near the heel, especially after periods of inactivity, like when you get up after sleeping (first-step pain).
• Difficulty walking barefoot or in shoes with minimal support is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis.
• Inability to move your feet or heel.
• Plantar fasciitis can cause changes in your walking pattern, leading to additional strain on your legs or knees, resulting in leg or knee pain as a secondary side effect.

Common Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis In Veterans

Plantar fasciitis can result from excessive running, sudden increases in activity, or irregularly-shaped feet. The inflammation and pain it causes can significantly impact daily life.

Seeking appropriate treatment and considering VA disability benefits for this condition is essential if it affects your ability to function. Regularly carrying heavy equipment can strain the plantar fascia and cause tissue damage, leading to the development of plantar fasciitis.

Improperly sized or uncomfortable footwear, especially when required to wear boots that lack proper support, can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis over time. Veterans engaged in military duties with various physical requirements may risk experiencing plantar fasciitis due to the demands placed on their feet.

VA Disability Ratings For Plantar Fasciitis

The VA utilizes Diagnostic Code 5285 to rate plantar fasciitis. Veterans may be eligible for higher ratings if the condition affects both feet and does not respond to any treatment provided.

The disability compensation rating you receive for plantar fasciitis from the VA depends on the severity of your symptoms, whether both feet are affected, and the extent of the condition. Possible disability ratings include:

• 10% rating if you have plantar fasciitis in one or both feet and it is responsive to treatment
• 20% rating if you have plantar fasciitis affecting one foot and it is not responsive to treatment. "Not responsive to treatment" means that you don't get relief from surgical or nonsurgical treatment
• 30% rating if you have plantar fasciitis affecting both feet and it is not responsive to treatment
• 40% rating if you have plantar fasciitis that results in the loss of a foot. It receives a special diagnostic code: 5167

Indeed, secondary conditions that result from plantar fasciitis, like back, hip, knee, or joint pain, may also qualify for benefits. To qualify, you need "proximately due to/ aggravated by" or "showing of causation" diagnoses from a qualified medical professional.