Doctors and patients sometimes refer to plantar fasciitis as runners heel, painful sole syndrome, or neuritis. 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). If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples. 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. Repetitive stretching and tearing of the plantar facia can result in pain and inflammation. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. If you have foot pain from flat feet, this might be because you developed plantar fasciitis. PT, ruck marches, and long hours of standing in low quarters or boots are common causes. If this goes through, you will be eligible to receive additional Special Monthly Compensation. 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. 2. When this occurs, the veteran applying for disability benefits will need to undergo a C & P exam. According to statistics, roughly18 million adultsin the US have flat feet and approximately2 millionsuffer from plantar fasciitis. The new changes have separated these conditions into two rating codes meaning they can be rated individually. It involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (called the Plantar Fascia). 17. which may lead to all sorts of feet conditions like plantar fasciitis, pes planus, hallux valgus, and more.. However, in some cases, it can become a chronic condition. 3. 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). For one or both feet, is the weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe? The effects of flat feet can vary greatly from case to case. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! An increased strain on the plantar fascia can lead to plantar fasciitis. plantar fasciitis cigna. As regards to the joints, factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and describe the lower extremity deformity other than pes planus causing alteration of the weight-bearing line. you viewed to avoid repetition. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. 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? If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date, and results. Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time? Unilateral means that only one foot is affected, while bilateral means that both feet have developed symptoms. To get your VA claim for flat feet approved, you need to prove 3 essential elements: How Do I Get a Flat Feet VA Disability Rating? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Pes Planus, Aka flatfoot or flat feet is common among army veterans, air force service members, marines, and navy vets. 4. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. If your foot problems stem from your time in service, then youneed to get the compensation you deserve. Congenital plantar fasciitis is NOT compensable or pensionable unless you claim aggravation of a pre-service condition.. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability. How to Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis, How Foot Pain Impacts Your OverallCompensation. Is there objective evidence of marked deformity of one or both feet (pronation, abduction, etc.)? This condition is very common among veterans. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. plantar fasciitis vs tendonitis heel that pain. A 20 percent rating applies when the veteran meets the above requirements, but the plantar fasciitis only impacts one foot. This can strain the tissues on the bottom of the feet and worsen plantar fasciitis. [1] The arch of the foot is a tough, elastic connection of ligaments, tendons, and fascia between the forefoot and the hindfoot. plantar fasciitis nhs. ), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses). Specifically, having flat feet can place more pressure on the veterans heels. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs both cause pain in your heel, but they're different conditions. 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. For example, maybe your bilateral heel pain is so severe, that you have difficulty walking and require help during periods of flareups. Its your choice now that you know the truth and the truth will set you free. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. Evidence of a service-connected primary disability (such as Knee Strain, Lumbar Strain or Back Pain, Hip Condition). However, certain activities that place strain on the feet can trigger or cause the symptoms. Fill out the short form below to contact us. Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation deep within the fascia of the sole of the foot. How to handle your C&P Exam for your VA benefits. 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. Note (2): Only evaluate a revision procedure in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051-5056 if all the . 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. Look at the CFR and see if you would qualify for the higher ratings (20% is highest for one foot, 30% if it's both feet). However, if you go back there might be a paper trail that ties your affliction to service-related activities. The 30 percent rating for pes planus is appropriate for bilateral flat feet with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc. 16. Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are two very common foot conditions that affect veterans. For example, perhaps you entered the military with flat feet but never had plantar fasciitis. 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. What happens in the foot can affect the ankle. 21:30 Request a referral from your primary care or VA doctor to see a Podiatrist. You will also need to ensure that you get a fair plantar fasciitis VA rating during the evaluation process. Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your severe heel pain is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. 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. However, if the veteran has actual loss of use of the foot, the rating is 40%. The reason it is a risk is that the arch of ones foot directly acts to protect the tissue of the plantar fascia. However, activities and conditions that place strain on the feet can often aggravate the condition, resulting in pain, tissue damage, and difficulty with movement. Okay, lets jump into how to get your pes planus rated for VA disability purposes. 20:55 What kind of Plantar Fasciitis treatments are available for you to do on your own? The talocalcaneal interosseous ligament, tibionavicular . With proper care and/or treatment, many cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within one year. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is a foot injury. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. This percent rating can apply to one or both feet. This article reviews the diagnoses of pes planus and plantar fasciitis as well as current intervention strategies. 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. During this, a VA doctor will assess your foot trouble and assign you a rating. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. The VA determines a pes planus rating depending on the severity of the injury. pain 4 simple fixes for your plantar fasciitis. As mentioned above, individuals with pes planus have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. When these tissues are overstretched, tears can occur. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. 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. 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. In particular, pes planus foot types and . The VA diagnostic code (a 4 or 8 digit code the VA uses to rate your disability) for flat feet is 5726. You will need to get an outside opinion from a non-VA doctor and argue against the original examiners conclusions. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. Click the button below to start for FREE. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Flat feet are considered a type of foot deformity (that can be exacerbated or triggered by strain). how to file a va claim for plantar fasciitis. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in veterans. VA rates flatfoot under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. 2 In addition, the Board granted entitlement to separate 10% disability ratings for left and right foot plantar fasciitis with pes planus for the period prior to July 26, 2013. On this . 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. 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. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. For example, let's say a veteran is service-connected for a foot problem such as plantar fasciitis or pes planus (flat feet). 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. 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. Does the Veteran have characteristic calluses? According to the Mayo Clinic, Your plantar fascia is in the shape of a bowstring, supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing shock when you walk. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Sometimes the C&P examiner will order X-Rays of one or both feet to check for foot deformities such as calcified heel spurs. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. 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. Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Filing a Claim for Secondary Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis. If both of your feet are affected, you may qualify for a VA disability rating of 30%. 8. Common examples include losing weight, wearing orthopedic shoes, wearing shoe inserts, or buying shoes with arch support. These cookies do not store any personal information. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Many veterans have or develop plantar fasciitis, and common signs and symptoms include: You may get some relief by icing, taking pain medications, wearing a brace, heel inserts in shoes, night splints, and in extreme cases, cortisone shots directly into the affected area. When the tissues are overstretched and overused, tears can occur. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The same if you have bilateral plantar fasciitis. The VA will outline the steps involved with appealing a C & P exam in its initial communication. What are the Flat Feet VA Disability Ratings? 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. Veterans who have plantar fasciitis and experienced the actual loss of use of the foot qualify for a 40 percent disability rating. To qualify for TDIU, which offers monthly compensation equal to a 100 percent rating, veterans must prove they are unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected condition(s). Currently, Veterans can receive a rating between 0 and 50 percent for pes planus. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. va . As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Navigating the VA disability claims system can be challenging, regardless of the specific disability. Does the Veteran have marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon (rigid hindfoot) on manipulation of one or both feet? Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. These requirements include: If you are service connected for pes planus and later develop plantar fasciitis, you can file a claim for service connection on a secondary basis. For example, it may be that your condition is asecondary service-connected disability. Keep in mind flat feet can also develop after an injury or from everyday wear-and-tear such as military service. 6. 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). 13. VA rates both pes planus and plantar fasciitis under 38 CFR 4.71a, the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to or proximately aggravated by another service-connected disability. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. In particular, pes planus foot types and lower-limb biomechanics that result in a lowered medial longitud Plantar fasciitis is a musculoskeletal disorder primarily affecting the fascial enthesis. 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. 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. If you have bilateral plantar fasciitis, you could be eligible to receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 50%. If youre trying to increase your VA disability rating for flat feet, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant the higher rating criteria by law. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? 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. If you need accredited representation to guide you through your appeal for VA disability benefits for bilateral pes planus, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 At the same time, many people naturally develop flat feet later in life, thanks to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. However, those with more severe cases may experience symptoms such as: Pes planus may also aggravate or lead to plantar fasciitis. A heel spur is a bony growth that pokes out from the bottom of your heel where your heel bone connects to your plantar fascia. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. 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. Also referred to as runner's heel, neuritis, or painful sole syndrome, plantar fasciitis is an often excruciating foot condition caused by inflammation in the fascia - a band of connective tissue that connects the heel bones to the toes - of the sole of your foot. The Department of Veterans Affairs changed its schedule of ratings for plantar fasciitis effective February 7, 2021. Many people who have flat feet or fallen arches never experience pain or impedimentswith walking. It can happen as a reaction to stress and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. This can often be applied to orthopedic related conditions. However, if a veteran has both conditions diagnosed, with similar symptoms for each disability, according to the higher of two evaluations principle, the higher rating will be assigned if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Overall, the Plantar Fasciitis VA ratings for 2020 operate on a 0% to 50% scale (including intermittent benefit percentiles at 10%, 20%, and 30%). If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Research has shownthat veterans are at a much higher risk of developing these conditions. Specifically, veterans will fill out and submitVA Form 21-526 an original claim for service connection. List of VA Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet. Serviceenvironments are a common cause orcontributing factorof flat feet and plantar fasciitis. The 20 percent rating for flat feet is appropriate for unilateral pes planus with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc. 11. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. While we still have our home base in Florida, 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. Plain or weight-bearing foot x-rays are not required to make the diagnosis of flatfoot. 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. If during your examination the VA doctor findscertain qualifying criteria, youmay be assigned a VA disability rating of 10%. 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. A medical nexus, or link, connecting pes planus to the in-service event. There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a flat feet VA rating: The VA rates flat feet using Title 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, Flatfoot, Acquired. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. During a C & P exam for plantar fasciitis, a doctor may take X-rays and likely physically examine each foot. 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.. 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? Note: Provide the impact of only the diagnosed condition(s), without consideration of the impact of other medical conditions or factors, such as age. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Those foot problems have caused the veteran to have a problem with his gait and posture. Available to vets all over the US, we specialize in getting veterans the compensation they deserve. The qualifying criteria are as follows: The VA deems pes planus to be severe when there is clear evidence of a deformity in the foot. If yes, indicate the effect of symptoms and if the veteran receives relief in one or both sides of the foot. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. This is why flat feet canbe directly connected as a service-related disability. 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. 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. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. 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. We have updated our Privacy Policy. 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%. 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. Whats more,you only have to pay for our services if we win your case for you. 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. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Work with us and well see if we can prove that your injury happened during your active duty, even if it didnt happen in combat or during wartime. If VA denied your claim for pes planus or plantar fasciitis, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help you appeal the decision. What is the Pain Motion Principle for Flat Feet? The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot. If you apply, and this is granted to you, you will be compensated at the 100% level. How to Increase Your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis: The Experts Guide (5 *NEW* Tips for 2022). Description and proof of an in-service event that caused the foot pain or foot injury leading to plantar fasciitis. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 A nexus linking the veterans pes planus to the veterans in-service event or stressor. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. As with a primary disability rating for plantar fasciitis, veterans need to present the following when applying for VA disability for a secondary service connection: Veterans who entered military service with pre-existing heel pain or foot injuries may be able to claim service connection by aggravation if their plantar fasciitis worsened. Although poorly understood, the development of plantar fasciitis is thought to have a mechanical origin. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. you viewed to avoid repetition. 14. 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. In this post, we will be exploring how to increase your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis. 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. 7. However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. Is there marked pronation of one foot or both feet? 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.