If only one foot displays symptoms, veterans are eligible for the next highestVA disability rating for foot pain of 30%. The only time you would then get a bilateral factor is if you have BOTH bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis. 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%. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Pes planus, flatfoot, is rated for acquired flatfoot. 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. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? When this occurs, the veteran applying for disability benefits will need to undergo a C & P exam. I got medical records from when I was in service for being seen for Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis. If strained, this tissue can develop micro-tears which then cause inflammation and pain. Congenital plantar fasciitis is NOT compensable or pensionable unless you claim aggravation of a pre-service condition.. Another condition that may exacerbate plantar fasciitis is pes planus. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, No functional loss for left lower extremity attributable to claimed condition, No functional loss for right lower extremity attributable to claimed condition. 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. Research has shownthat veterans are at a much higher risk of developing these conditions. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and describe the lower extremity deformity other than pes planus causing alteration of the weight-bearing line. Please complete this form to send us your message. Another marker is if the condition is not relieved in any way by foot supports. Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). While many people might have flat feet and not experience any serious symptoms or pain, others with more severe symptoms may experience: Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a thick band that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. 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. So, it implicates VA's bilateral factor. 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. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. 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. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). A nexus linking the veterans pes planus to the veterans in-service event or stressor. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 You might even have medical records of treatment for pes planus or plantar fasciitis while in service. Specifically, having flat feet can place more pressure on the veterans heels. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? You're not alone. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 For example, maybe your bilateral heel pain is so severe, that you have difficulty walking and require help during periods of flareups. I'm at 50% for this exact disability (bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus) You can not get a separate rating for both conditions - you would get a single lumped one as u/overcookedfantasy said. Even got stress fractures on my tib/fib probably . The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Are you having trouble getting VAdisability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis? The 10 percent VA rating for pes planus is appropriate for moderate symptoms such as weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of the tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of the feet, bilateral or unilateral. Veterans who qualify for TDIU must demonstrate they are unable to maintain gainful employment due to a 100 percent combined disability rating. This percent rating only applies when plantar fasciitis affects both feet. Rating 5269 Plantar fasciitis: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral: 30 . Finally rated at 70%. Note: Provide the impact of only the diagnosed condition(s), without consideration of the impact of other medical conditions or factors, such as age. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. According to the National Institute of Health, this is because pes planus can cause an increased strain at the origin of the plantar fascia. The VA will outline the steps involved with appealing a C & P exam in its initial communication. 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. In this post, we will be exploring how to increase your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis. Get a Free Consultation, VA Disability Ratings for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms and Risk Factors Among Veterans, Secondary ServiceConnection for Plantar Fasciitis, Compensation and Pension Exams (C& P Exams) for Plantar Fasciitis, VADisability Ratings for Plantar Fasciitis, Contact Hill & Ponton for Additional Help with VA Disability Claims, Certain types of exercise, such as running and aerobic dancing because they put pressure on heels and the tissue attached to them, Standing or walking on hard surfaces for a majority of the day. We have updated our Privacy Policy. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If yes, indicate the effect of symptoms and if the veteran receives relief in one or both sides of the foot. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. 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. 5. The VA rates Pes Planus (Flat Feet) using Title 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, Flatfoot versus Plantar Fasciitis, which is rated under DC 5269. 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. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The same if you have bilateral plantar fasciitis. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! As with flat feet, the VA rates plantar fasciitis on a scale of mild to pronounced and awards disabilities ratings from 0% to 50%. ), NEW VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis Criteria from 0% to 30%, Secondary Service Connection for Plantar Fasciitis, How to Prepare for Your C&P Exam for Plantar Fasciitis. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. 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. An important requirement for VA disability rating purposes is whether your foot condition is congenital or acquired. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Click the button below to start for FREE. 21. Youll likely be referred from your Primary Care Doctor to a Podiatrist, who is a medical professional that specializes in the treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. 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. 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. 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. Updated: August 18, 2021. Veterans should be prepared to discuss specific ways that heel pain impacts their life, such as the inability to walk long distances. Plantar fasciitis is most common among runners, athletes, and people whose job requires them to stand on a hard surface for much of the day. However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. 24. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. Flat feet, which is medically termed pes planus, is characterized by fallen arches and foot pain. 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%). 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. 3. If you have yet to claim VAdisability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis, you should do so without delay. Does the Veteran have Functional Impact to their work, life, and social functioning? 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). 13. If you are a US veteran suffering from either flat feet or plantar fasciitis that are service-connected, the VA should be paying you monthly for that disability. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Its also important to document whether youve tried heel cups, inserts, or night splints, and if those devices help or not. What Should I Expect at a Flat Feet VA C&P Exam? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); They brought me from being stuck at 30%. 4.71a, DC 5276. Common examples include losing weight, wearing orthopedic shoes, wearing shoe inserts, or buying shoes with arch support. 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). Does the Veteran have inward bowing of the Achilles tendon (i.e., hindfoot valgus, with lateral deviation of the heel) of one or both feet? Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. 8. Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are two very common foot conditions that affect veterans. When these tendons do not pull properly, the foot has little or no arch, resulting in flat feet. 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. 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. 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. 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. bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis 50% My supplemental claim was for bilateral pes planus, which after my QTC exam I was certain I would be rated at the pronounced bilateral rating of 50% due to my conversation with the examiner and her comments as she examined my feet. If you have been denied disability, orhave received a wrongful ratingwe can help. 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. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. If VA denied your claim for pes planus or plantar fasciitis, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help you appeal the decision. 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. Any injury that happens to you during your active duty is elligible for VA disability. How to Increase Your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis: The Experts Guide (5 *NEW* Tips for 2022). Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 In those instances, the ratings for each side, the left and the right sides, are combined separately. Do You Need Help Getting VA Disability for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis? Filing a claim for secondary service connection involves the same process as filing any claim for service connection. A veterans final VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. Contact Us A C&P exam for flat feet involves a physical examination of the feet for tenderness, swelling, calluses, pain, and functional impairment or loss, as well as a walking test for overpronation. In this case, veterans must show that their pes planus and plantar fasciitis prevent them from securing such employment. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. The podiatrist will take X-rays and recommend the least invasive method possible for treating plantar fasciitis. 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. The most common and primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is the feeling of tenderness and pain on the sole of the foot that gets worse with walking and other weight-bearing activities. 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. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is a foot injury. They may also have a legal representative submit on their behalf. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. According to CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability, A preexisting injury or disease will be considered to have been aggravated by active military, naval, or air service, where there is an increase in disability during such service, unless there is a specific finding that the increase in disability is due to the natural progress of the disease.. 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. Many people who have flat feet or fallen arches never experience pain or impedimentswith walking. 38 C.F.R. Is the tenderness improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? Since this is one of the leading risk factors for plantar fasciitis, making a service connection should not be difficult for veterans who receive X-rays and a proper diagnosis from their podiatrist or regular doctor. 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. 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. 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. If you have foot pain from flat feet, this might be because you developed plantar fasciitis. 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.

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