If you feel that you received an inaccurate or unfair rating, be aware that you can appeal this by requesting aVA higher-level review. 24. 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. Whether your case of flat feet is unilateral or bilateral will have an impact on yourVA disability rating. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis has its own diagnostic code (DC) 5269 with ratings that What are Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans? 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). This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Both of these conditions can be debilitating and cause pain in other areas such as the knees, back, and legs. When these tendons do not pull properly, the foot has little or no arch, resulting in flat feet. If this goes through, you will be eligible to receive additional Special Monthly Compensation. If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. The 30 percent rating for pes planus is appropriate for bilateral flat feet with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in veterans. Also, both unilateral and bilateral plantar fasciitis are common secondary VA disability claims, especially plantar fasciitis secondary to lower extremity conditions such as knees, joints, hips, and back. Current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis by a podiatrist or the veterans regular doctor. However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. 12:45 How are VA disability claims for Plantar Fasciitis rated? Veterans have flat feet when they have little to no arch (flattened foot), which lets the entire sole of one or both feet touch the ground when standing or walking. In my MEPS record they marked my feet down as Mild Pes Planus Asymptomatic. 50 Percent Flat Feet VA Rating (Bilateral), 30 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral), 30 Percent VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral), 20 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral), 10 Percent Pes Planus VA Rating (Bilateral or Unilateral), 0 Percent VA Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral or Unilateral). So, it implicates VA's bilateral factor. 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. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? For instance, which pages you go to most. VA rates flatfoot under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. Contact Us 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. What Should I Expect at a Flat Feet VA C&P Exam? What is the Pain Motion Principle for Flat Feet? Before we take a look at the VA rating for flat foot and plantar fasciitis, lets quickly examine exactly what these two conditions are and how they differ. 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. 24:00 Its important to note your foot pain may fluctuate over time. The reason it is a risk is that the arch of ones foot directly acts to protect the tissue of the plantar fascia. If a veteran has bilateral pes planus, then the condition affects both feet. Unilateral means that only one foot is affected, while bilateral means that both feet have developed symptoms. As regards to the joints, factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. 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. An increased strain on the plantar fascia can lead to plantar fasciitis. The podiatrist will take X-rays and recommend the least invasive method possible for treating plantar fasciitis. A C&P exam for plantar fasciitis usually involves a physical examination and history of your foot condition and severity of symptoms over time. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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. 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. Many veterans suffer from various foot conditions, including pes planus (more commonly known as flat feet) and plantar fasciitis, and are seeking to service connect their disabilities for VA benefits. A medical nexus, or link, connecting pes planus to the in-service event. In this post, we will be exploring how to increase your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis. Pes planus is characterized by pain on manipulation and use of the feet or other foot pain as included in the higher evaluation criteria. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. 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. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Read on to find out how to get proof that your conditionis service-related, as well as everything you need to know aboutyour VA disability rating forfoot pain. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 A veterans final VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. Specifically, veterans will fill out and submitVA Form 21-526 an original claim for service connection. 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. 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. Meaning, the more severe your symptoms are, the higher the VA rating for plantar fasciitis. 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. Medical records for aggravated or secondary conditions must prove that the new injury is not temporary. ), 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. Most of the time, pes planus does not cause serious symptoms and treatment may not be necessary. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Is there evidence of pain on any of the following? 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. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. Okay, veterans lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. Sometimes the C&P examiner will order X-Rays of one or both feet to check for foot deformities such as calcified heel spurs. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). 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. I started with 20% due to diabetes Agent Orange. 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. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 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. 38 C.F.R. 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. This will receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 10%. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. After reviewing the medical records, the next step is to file a VA disability benefits appeal. The same if you have bilateral plantar fasciitis. There is also a bilateral factormeaning veterans can get a higher VA rating for plantar fasciitis if they have the disability in both feet. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. What are the Flat Feet VA Disability Ratings? Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Sometimes pes planus is the direct result of service, whereas in other instances, it may have been aggravated by service. TDIU for Plantar Fasciitis TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your severe heel pain is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. During this, a VA doctor will assess your foot trouble and assign you a rating. 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. If you have unilateral pes planus (affecting one foot), youcan receive aVA disability rating for foot pain of 20%. Ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis can help contribute to a veterans eligibility for TDIU. The diagnosis of degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) or post-traumatic arthritis must be confirmed by imaging studies. 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). Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Another thing to know about pes planus is that it can be either unilateral or bilateral. Pes Planus is a condition of the foot in which the arches on the inside of your foot are flattened, allowing the entire sole of your foot to touch the, Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Plain or weight-bearing foot x-rays are not required to make the diagnosis of flatfoot. Both flat feet and plantar fasciitisare often caused by genetic conditions. Veterans who receive a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis after they leave the military may be able to claim a secondary service connection if they can prove their heel pain developed or worsened due to a condition such as existing knee, hip, or back pain. 21:30 Request a referral from your primary care or VA doctor to see a Podiatrist. The VA defines functional loss as the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and/or endurance.. 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. 8. 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. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] Sometimes veterans are diagnosed with pes planus (flat feet). How are Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis Connected? For example, lets say you have full range of motion for your flat feet and no functional impairment or loss, but you have pain during movement, then you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for pes planus, which is 10%. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is accentuated on use. The VA ratesflat feetas perthe 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System,with the diagnostic code 5276. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? 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. Using information based on a review of all procurable information, to include the Veterans statement on examination, case-specific evidence (to include medical treatment records when applicable and lay evidence), the examiners medical expertise, and physical exam, select the factors below that contribute to functional loss or impairment (regardless of repetitive use) or to additional limitation of range of motion (ROM) after repetitive use for the joint or extremity being evaluated on this Disability Benefits Questionnaire for Flat Feet: 18. To qualify a veteran must experience marked pronation (inward rolling of the foot). The criteria for pes planus or plantar fasciitis for a 10-percent evaluation in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5276 include "pain on manipulation and use of the feet, unilateral or bilateral." The criteria for higher evaluations include findings such as accentuated pain on manipulation and use or extreme tenderness of the "plantar surfaces of the feet." Does the Veteran use arch supports or built-up shoes? Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation deep within the fascia of the sole of the foot. 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. Whats more, if you do not have a 100% disability rating, but are unable to work because of your foot conditionyou may beentitled tototal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis has its own diagnostic code (DC) 5269 with ratings that range from 10% to 30%, with a break at 20%. 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. How to Increase Your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis: The Experts Guide (5 *NEW* Tips for 2022). Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. Are you having trouble getting VAdisability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis? Like flat feet, plantar fasciitis can bebrought on by activities such as running, high impact training, and prolonged standing. Many veterans suffer from various foot conditions due to their military service, including severe heel pain, aka, plantar fasciitis. 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.. When this occurs, the veteran applying for disability benefits will need to undergo a C & P exam. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. All Rights Reserved. If you have undergone your Pension and Disability examination and are not happy with the result, you should call us for a free review of your case. Once the form is filled out, veterans can submit the form to VA online, in person, or by mail. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Join our premier education-based membership program, VA Claims Insider Elite, connect with an expert-level Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes, and finally get the rating you deserve. 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). Ligaments and tendons from the lower leg and the foot form the arches in feet. Yes, plantar fasciitis is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, or 30%, depending upon unilateral (one foot) versus bilateral (both feet) and the severity of your symptoms. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. 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? San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Filing a Claim for Secondary Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis. 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. 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. 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. 21. 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. If you have bilateral plantar fasciitis, you could be eligible to receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 50%. C:\USCAVC_Docs\SINGLE.CVA\AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf Repetitive stretching and tearing of the plantar facia can result in pain and inflammation. If you have been denied disability, orhave received a wrongful ratingwe can help. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The only time you would then get a bilateral factor is if you have BOTH bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis. For one, you will have to prove that your symptoms are directly related to your time in service. 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. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Pes planus is a condition that often affects both feet. A special disability rating of 20 or 30 percent applies to veterans who received a surgical recommendation from their doctor but are not a candidate for surgery. Your final VA rating for pes planus depends upon whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral as well as the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Veterans who have plantar fasciitis and experienced the actual loss of use of the foot qualify for a 40 percent disability rating. 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 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. Any injury that happens to you during your active duty is elligible for VA disability. The VA will outline the steps involved with appealing a C & P exam in its initial communication. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. VA rates both pes planus and plantar fasciitis under 38 CFR 4.71a, the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System. If you're service-connected for bilateral pes planus, that's likely the higher rating due to the addition of the bilateral factor (when you have a condition on both sides of . If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and describe the lower extremity deformity other than pes planus causing alteration of the weight-bearing line. There are several common causes and risk factors that lead to plantar fasciitis, including having a tight Achilles tendon, running long distances on uneven surfaces, sudden weight gain, wearing shoes with poor arch support, and a drastic change in activity level. 20. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. 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. However, if the veteran has actual loss of use of the foot, the rating is 40%. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. If your military service aggravated your flat feet (made it worse), leading to plantar fasciitis (severe heel pain), you can still be rated and compensated under the law. 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. 1. Under Diagnostic Code 5296, VA disability ratings for plantar fasciitis (unilateral and bilateral) are as follows: Note (1): With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40%, Note (2): If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention, but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20% or 30% criteria, whichever is applicable. 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. If the VA doctor makes an incorrect analysis, you are free to contest this, in which case a copy of the C&P examination will be useful. If tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. 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. 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. Veterans have the right to request a copy of their medical records from a C & P exam if it comes back unfavorable for establishing a primary service connection. 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%). Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. 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.. Fill out the short form below to contact us. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Once the form is filled out, veterans can submit the form to VA online, in person, or by mail. 2. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 DATES: Effective February 7, 2021. 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. Common causes and risk factors for developing flat feet include: Other risk factors, such asobesityand partaking in frequent high-impact physical activity, like military training, may also lead to the development of flat feet. How to handle your C&P Exam for your VA benefits. A 20 percent rating applies when the veteran meets the above requirements, but the plantar fasciitis only impacts one foot. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, long-distance running (such as military PT), poor arch and heel support (e.g., military combat boots), occupations that require a lot of standing (active duty military service, perhaps combat deployments), Heel pain (especially after standing, walking, or running), 30%: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral, 20%: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral. Here are three things that can help you in proving this and gaining compensation: At first, it might seem almost impossible to provide documented proof that something like flat feet or plantar fasciitis was caused during service. To calculate what effect yourVA disability rating for foot pain will have on your compensation package, you can use ourVA disability calculator. 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.
Td Ameritrade Medallion Signature Guarantee,
Xavier Beyond Scared Straight Killed,
Is Sherri Coale Still Married,
Articles B
