How to Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis If you have yet to claim VA disability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis, you should do so without delay. The thick, fibrous band that moves the digits of your foot, called the fascia, can become inflamed, causing swelling and pain on the bottom of the foot and sometimes even into the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition of the foot in which the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. Are you having trouble getting VAdisability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis? The primary symptom of the foot condition plantar fasciitis is tenderness and pain on the underside of one or both feet that worsens with weight-bearing activities like walking. For example, if you have both severe bilateral flat feet and severe bilateral plantar fasciitis, the VA Rater should grant the 50% rating for pes planus because its the higher of the two ratings (the maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%). 1. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Is the tenderness improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus VA Rating, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Is there a lower extremity deformity other than pes planus, causing alteration of the weight-bearing line? You're not alone. The onset of plantar fasciitis is often so gradual that people do not seek help for their foot pain until it interferes with their everyday life. So, it implicates VA's bilateral factor. The photo below is an example of yellow calluses and cracking of the heel. 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). However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. When these tendons do not pull properly, the foot has little or no arch, resulting in flat feet. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. 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. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is, Gout is an inflammatory disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. 12. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. If only one foot displays symptoms, veterans are eligible for the next highestVA disability rating for foot pain of 30%. If you think you have a foot disorder such as pes planus (flat feet), but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA facility nearest youto make an appointment right away. For example, perhaps you entered the military with flat feet but never had plantar fasciitis. 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. Another condition that may exacerbate plantar fasciitis is pes planus. 7. 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. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 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. A nexus linking the veterans pes planus to the veterans in-service event or stressor. If pronounced pes planus is present in both feet (and supports do not help), veterans can receive the VA disability rating of 50%. 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. As regards to the joints, factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. Sometimes the C&P examiner will order X-Rays of one or both feet to check for foot deformities such as calcified heel spurs. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation deep within the fascia of the sole of the foot. Both flat feet and plantar fasciitisare often caused by genetic conditions. A veterans final VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. Since that time, we have provided compassionate If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards disability benefits for pes planus to veterans who meet the requirements for service connection. The 30 percent VA rating is appropriate for severe unilateral 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. Got administratively separated because of Pes Planus. 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. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 To qualify a veteran must experience marked pronation (inward rolling of the foot). Is the condition improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? Contact Us In veterans with symptoms, there may be complaints of the midfoot, heels, lower legs, knees, hips, and or back pain, which can all be linked and rated as secondary conditions to flat feet. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Filing a claim for secondary service connection involves the same process as filing any claim for service connection. If you have flat feet but are able to find relief through the use of inserts, or orthotic arch supports, the VA will consider yours a mild and non-compensatablecondition. 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! The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot. Keep in mind flat feet can also develop after an injury or from everyday wear-and-tear such as military service. This percent rating only applies when plantar fasciitis affects both feet. There are generally two ways that a veteran can qualify for TDIU: Forschedular TDIU, veterans must meet the criteria listed under38 CFR 4.16a. you viewed to avoid repetition. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. The highest possible schedular VA disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is now 30% (not 50%), which includes symptoms such as no relief from both non-surgical (orthopedic shoes or appliances) and surgical treatment. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the veteran should at least be awarded the minimum level of compensable disability for that condition. The accredited attorneys and claims agents at CCK have decades of experience successfully representing veterans before VA, the Board of Veterans Appeals, and the Court of Appeal for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and we may be able to put our experience to work for you. Once the form is filled out, veterans can submit the form to VA online, in person, or by mail. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 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 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. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] 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. An increased strain on the plantar fascia can lead to plantar fasciitis. To be categorized as having severe plantar fasciitis, the followingcriteria need to be present: If you have plantar fasciitis in one foot, you may be eligible forVAdisability rating for foot pain of 20%. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Its your choice now that you know the truth and the truth will set you free. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is accentuated on use. People suffering from plantar fasciitis typically experience pain on the bottom of their feet that ranges from a mild annoyance to so severe that they cannot put any weight on the affected foot. If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date, and results. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! VA rates both pes planus and plantar fasciitis under 38 CFR 4.71a, the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 By law, there are three evidentiary elements that must be satisfied for plantar fasciitis Secondary Conditions: The first part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records. 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. Ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis can help contribute to a veterans eligibility for TDIU. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ratings range from 10 to 30 percent if the plantar fasciitis is affecting both feet and not responding to treatment, veterans will generally receive a higher rating. During this, a VA doctor will assess your foot trouble and assign you a rating. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) looks for the following three criteria when receiving a disability claim for plantar fasciitis: Military service requires soldiers to spend hours on their feet each day, often on rough terrain which may lead to all sorts of feet conditions like plantar fasciitis, pes planus, hallux valgus, and more. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. If strained, this tissue can develop micro-tears which then cause inflammation and pain. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. 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. Plantar fasciitis sufferers commonly report that pain in the bottom of their heel is most severe in the morning and then subsides as the day progresses. Flat feet are considered a type of foot deformity (that can be exacerbated or triggered by strain). The rating schedule is as follows: If a veteran has bilateral pes planus, with plantar fasciitis, they should be eligible for a 50 percent rating for their pronounced bilateral pes planus, and a 30 percent rating for their plantar fasciitis since it affects both feet. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. For one or both feet, is the weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe? Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU)is a monthly benefit that compensates veterans at the 100 percent rate, regardless of their actual combined rating, if their condition(s) prevents them from working. If both of your feet are affected, you may qualify for a VA disability rating of 30%. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Medical records for aggravated or secondary conditions must prove that the new injury is not temporary. After reviewing the medical records, the next step is to file a VA disability benefits appeal. Updated: August 18, 2021. Does the Veteran have characteristic calluses? By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. Some Veterans may experience plantar fasciitis symptoms in both feet simultaneously or just one foot at a time. Whether your case of flat feet is unilateral or bilateral will have an impact on yourVA disability rating. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. 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. Flat feet can also cause problems in your ankles, knees, hips, and back because the condition can change the alignment of your legsthese are all common secondary conditions for secondary service connection. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. 21. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. 4.26 Bilateral factor. These cookies do not store any personal information. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. 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. How to Service Connect Your Flat Feet for VA Disability. A medical nexus, which offers proof the health condition for which the veteran requests VA disability benefits was caused (or worsened) by his or her military service. For instance, which pages you go to most. As with flat feet, the VA rates plantar fasciitis on a scale of mild to pronounced and awards disabilities ratings from 0% to 50%. 10. C:\USCAVC_Docs\SINGLE.CVA\AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Does the Veteran have Functional Impact to their work, life, and social functioning? Plantar fasciitis is a common condition of the foot in which the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. The criteria stipulate that veterans must haveone condition rated at 60 percent minimumORtwo conditions that can be combined to reach 70 percent, where one condition is at a minimum of 40 percent. 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. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are two very common foot conditions that affect veterans. 15. Through the rating criteria in this code, the VA will evaluate your symptoms and give you a rating on a scale of 0% (mild disability)to 50% (pronounced disability).
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