Plantar Fasciitis — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 5269)
Diagnostic Code 5269 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes. It causes stabbing heel pain that is typically worst with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. This is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions claimed by veterans due to the extensive marching, running, and standing on hard surfaces during military service. The VA rates plantar fasciitis by analogy, often under DC 5276 (flatfoot) or DC 5284 (other foot injuries), though DC 5269 is the specific code when assigned.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Pronounced symptoms with extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement, and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon. This rating is rare for plantar fasciitis alone and typically applies to the most severe bilateral cases. |
| 30% | Severe symptoms — marked deformity, accentuated pain on manipulation and use, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. Significant functional limitation despite treatment. |
| 20% | Moderately severe symptoms — pain on manipulation and use, not fully relieved by orthotics. Difficulty with prolonged standing or walking even with treatment. May show objective evidence of swelling or tenderness. |
| 10% | Moderate symptoms — pain on use of the foot, relieved by arch supports or orthotics. Pain with prolonged standing or walking but manageable with conservative treatment. |
Evidence Needed
MRI or ultrasound showing plantar fascia thickening or tears. Documented history of treatment including orthotics, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery. Service treatment records showing foot complaints during active duty. Buddy statements about visible limping and activity limitations. Records of all treatments tried and failed. Podiatry or orthopedic specialist evaluations.
C&P Exam Tips
- Schedule your exam for a time when symptoms are typically worse — usually morning
- Do NOT take pain medication before the exam
- Walk normally — do not try to hide your limp or pain
- Describe your worst flare-up days in detail
- Mention all activities you can no longer do (running, prolonged standing, hiking)
- Bring worn-out orthotics or shoe inserts as evidence of chronic use
- Report bilateral symptoms if both feet are affected — each foot is rated separately
- Describe the morning pain and how long it takes to become mobile
How to File
File a claim for plantar fasciitis citing your foot condition and providing evidence of in-service onset or aggravation. If you have bilateral plantar fasciitis, file for each foot separately as they are rated independently. Include your treatment history, imaging results, and a nexus statement connecting the condition to military service activities like running, rucking, and prolonged standing on hard surfaces.
Common Mistakes
Only claiming one foot when both are affected — each foot gets its own rating. Not getting imaging studies (MRI or ultrasound) to show objective evidence. Taking pain medication before the C&P exam which masks symptoms. Not claiming secondary conditions caused by altered gait such as knee, hip, or back pain. Accepting an initial low rating without documenting how the condition worsens throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get separate ratings for each foot?
Yes. If you have bilateral plantar fasciitis, each foot is rated independently. A veteran with moderate plantar fasciitis in both feet could receive 10% for each foot, which combines to a higher overall rating than a single 10% alone.
What if my plantar fasciitis developed after service?
If your plantar fasciitis developed after service but was caused by another service-connected condition (like flat feet, knee problems causing gait changes, or weight gain from limited mobility), you can file it as a secondary condition. You will need a medical nexus opinion linking it to your primary service-connected disability.
Does the VA consider plantar fasciitis a presumptive condition?
Plantar fasciitis is not a presumptive condition. However, it is relatively straightforward to establish a direct service connection if you have documented foot complaints during service or can show that military activities (prolonged marching, running, standing) caused the condition.
What rating do most veterans get for plantar fasciitis?
Most veterans initially receive a 10% rating per foot for plantar fasciitis. However, if conservative treatments have failed and you have objective evidence of significant functional limitation, ratings of 20% or 30% are achievable. Document all failed treatments thoroughly.