Is there any other functional loss during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time? 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. 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. Common examples include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, cysts, and bursitis. The VA ratesflat feetas perthe 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System,with the diagnostic code 5276. Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Filing a Claim for Secondary Service Connection for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. The 30 percent rating for pes planus is appropriate for bilateral flat feet with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc. Any injury that happens to you during your active duty is elligible for VA disability. 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. 24. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and describe the lower extremity deformity other than pes planus causing alteration of the weight-bearing line. 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. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Specifically, having flat feet can place more pressure on the veterans heels. Repeated stretching and tearing can irritate or inflame the fascia, causing severe heel pain.. If only one foot displays symptoms, veterans are eligible for the next highestVA disability rating for foot pain of 30%. 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. Plantar Fasciitis and Flat Foot VA Ratings. This percent rating can apply to one or both feet. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. During a C & P exam for plantar fasciitis, a doctor may take X-rays and likely physically examine each foot. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. ), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses). 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. 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. Because the symptoms associated with flat feet and plantar fasciitis are so similar, its highly unlikely to get separate VA ratings for flat feet and plantar fasciitis due to theavoidance of pyramiding. As with flat feet, the VA rates plantar fasciitis on a scale of mild to pronounced and awards disabilities ratings from 0% to 50%. 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. If you have foot pain from flat feet, this might be because you developed plantar fasciitis. 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. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. 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). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); They brought me from being stuck at 30%. 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. However, activities and conditions that place strain on the feet can often aggravate the condition, resulting in pain, tissue damage, and difficulty with movement. 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. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is manipulated on use. If you're service-connected for both pes planus and plantar fasciitis, the VA will only count the condition with the highest rating when calculating your overall rating. However, if you go back there might be a paper trail that ties your affliction to service-related activities. 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. 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. 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. Current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis by a podiatrist or the veterans regular doctor. 7. For a free case evaluation, reach out to CCK today at 800-544-9144 or throughthis online contact form. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. we represent clients nationwide. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is accentuated on use. A medical nexus, or link, connecting pes planus to the in-service event. Do you think you might have Plantar Fasciitis? Another thing to know about pes planus is that it can be either unilateral or bilateral. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Note: Diagnostic Testing is not necessary for every condition. The body needs uric acid to break down purines that are found in certain foods,. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards disability benefits for pes planus to veterans who meet the requirements for service connection. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. disability ratings for shin splints, go here! Does the Veteran have characteristic calluses? TheMayo Clinicreports the following risk factors associated with the development of plantar fasciitis: Sometimes doctors misdiagnose plantar heel pain or generalized foot pain as plantar fasciitis when the condition is something entirely different. These cookies do not store any personal information. We invite veterans to get afree online evaluationfor your VA disability claim. 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. 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? Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. An increased strain on the plantar fascia can lead to plantar fasciitis. WITHOUT Woods & Woods I would still be stuck at 30%. After reviewing the medical records, the next step is to file a VA disability benefits appeal. Unilateral means that only one foot is affected, while bilateral means that both feet have developed symptoms. 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. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. 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. 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. 13. 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. you viewed to avoid repetition. Is there evidence of pain on any of the following? This will receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 10%. A 20 percent rating applies when the veteran meets the above requirements, but the plantar fasciitis only impacts one foot. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. 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. Sometimes pes planus is the direct result of service, whereas in other instances, it may have been aggravated by service. 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. Has Diagnostic Testing been performed? Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis has its own diagnostic code (DC) 5269 with ratings that What are Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You might even have medical records of treatment for pes planus or plantar fasciitis while in service. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 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. Call today for a free case evaluation. The highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral flat feet is 50%, whereas the highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%. 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. Plantar fasciitis is the name for injury caused to the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that covers the bottom ofones foot. A current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis; and, Medical evidence demonstrating the link between pes planus and plantar, Veterans with pronounced unilateral flat foot are rated at, Veterans with severe bilateral flat feet are rated at, Veterans with severe unilateral flat foot are rated at. In 2022, flat feet VA disability ratings range from 0 percent to 50 percent, with interim breaks at 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent. Is there marked pronation of one foot or both feet? 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. For example, perhaps you entered the military with flat feet but never had 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 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.. A current medical diagnosis for flat feet; Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness; and. This can strain the tissues on the bottom of the feet and worsen plantar fasciitis. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are two very common foot conditions that affect veterans. 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. 2. 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. As mentioned above, individuals with pes planus have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 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? Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 At VA Claims Insider, we recommend veterans get X-Rays of both feet from the VA or a private doctor to confirm or exclude the presence of heel spurs, which can contribute to the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. How to claim secondary service connection for a VA disability, you should call us for a free review of your case, Without Woods and Woods I would still be stuck at 30%, Your weight-bearing line is over your big toe, You experience pain upon manipulation orwhen using the foot, You have inbound bowing of the Achilles tendon, Pain when the foot is used or manipulated, Swelling occurring after use of the foot or feet, Presence of characteristic callosities (calluses), Increased pain when you move or use the foot/feet, Presence of callosities (calluses) particular to plantar fasciitis, There is marked inward displacement and pronation(inward rolling of the foot), Orthopedic shoes and inserts do not provide relief or reduce the symptoms, Your Achilles tendon spasms when it is touched, A current diagnosis of your foot condition, Record of an in-service event or aggravation, A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and the current disability. 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. Pes planus is a condition that often affects both feet. To enhance your chances of success, you shouldalso talk to aVA disability lawyer. 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%. The podiatrist will take X-rays and recommend the least invasive method possible for treating plantar fasciitis. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. 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. Its also important to document whether youve tried heel cups, inserts, or night splints, and if those devices help or not. 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. 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. 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. 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. So, it implicates VA's bilateral factor. Plantar Fasciitis and Secondary VA Claims, Top 3 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Flat Feet (The Insiders Guide). All Rights Reserved. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). The Department of Veterans Affairs changed its schedule of ratings for plantar fasciitis effective February 7, 2021. 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. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. We advocate for the disabled. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 you viewed to avoid repetition. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Filing a claim for secondary service connection involves the same process as filing any claim for service connection. Flat feet can also be caused by age-related weakening of the tendons within the feet. At the same time, many people naturally develop flat feet later in life, thanks to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Prokarym v. The VA is notorious for under rating disabilities, therefore if you have received an incorrect rating or been denied disability it is essential that you follow up. 21. Evidence of a service-connected primary disability (such as Knee Strain, Lumbar Strain or Back Pain, Hip Condition). 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.. Veterans who plan to file for disability compensation should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis. Whether your case of flat feet is unilateral or bilateral will have an impact on yourVA disability rating. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is a foot injury. 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. Is the tenderness improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? 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. I started with 20% due to diabetes Agent Orange. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? 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. 10. If VA denied your claim for pes planus or plantar fasciitis, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help you appeal the decision. Once the form is filled out, veterans can submit the form to VA online, in person, or by mail. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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 . 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. In my MEPS record they marked my feet down as Mild Pes Planus Asymptomatic. DATES: Effective February 7, 2021. 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. 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. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 They may also have a legal representative submit on their behalf. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. If this goes through, you will be eligible to receive additional Special Monthly Compensation. Are you having trouble getting VAdisability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis? While we still have our home base in Florida, Does the Veteran have pain on use of the feet? 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%. 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? The specific criteria for each VA rating are: VA also notes that if a veterans plantar fasciitis results in the loss of use of the foot they will receive a 40 percent rating. Other conditions linked to flat feet in a bi-directional relationship include leg length differences, pregnancy, Marfans syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and scoliosis, obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, and diabetes. medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. 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. 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. 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." 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. Flat feet are a common condition thats usually painless; however, they can become painful over time due to overuse, obesity, running, military combat boots, or wearing poor insoles. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Although foot pain originates in the heel with plantar fasciitis, it can gravitate upwards towards the toes. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 4.71a, DC 5276. Pes planus, flatfoot, is rated for acquired flatfoot. 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! How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 3. After is it finished, it isimportant that yourequesta copy of the C&P examination. 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). List of VA Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet. If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis that can be relieved by shoe inserts and arch supports then the VA will likely give you a non-compensable rating of 0%. If your case of plantar fasciitis is deemed severe, you may be eligible to receive a VA disability rating of 20-30%.
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bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis va rating