Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Foot Conditions including flatfoot (pes planus)
Plantar fasciitis is that stabbing heel pain (especially when you first step out of bed in the morning) caused by inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot. The VA rates this condition from 10% to 40%. 40% applies when the plantar fasciitis has caused actual loss of use of the foot. 30% covers both feet (bilateral) when neither non-surgical nor surgical treatment provided relief. 20% covers the same no-relief situation in one foot (unilateral). 10% covers all other cases, whether one foot or both.
Rating levels
- 40% — You qualify for this rating if your plantar fasciitis has caused actual loss of use of the foot, meaning the foot no longer functions for ordinary walking, standing, or balance even when fitted with a brace, special shoe, or other corrective device. Loss of use is the same standard used elsewhere in the rating schedule, the foot is essentially non-functional from the veteran's standpoint.
- 30% — You have plantar fasciitis (painful inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot) in both feet, and neither non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections, nor surgical procedures have provided relief from your pain and symptoms. Your condition continues to cause significant problems despite trying all available treatment options on both feet.
- 20% — You have plantar fasciitis (painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot) in one foot that hasn't gotten better despite trying both non-surgical treatments (like physical therapy, injections, or orthotics) and surgical treatment. Your foot pain and symptoms continue even after doctors have tried all available treatment options.
- 10% — You qualify for this rating if you have plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot that connects your heel to your toes) in one foot or both feet, as long as it doesn't meet the higher rating criteria. The VA will assign this rating whether your plantar fasciitis affects just one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral).