bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis va rating bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis va rating

You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, No functional loss for left lower extremity attributable to claimed condition, No functional loss for right lower extremity attributable to claimed condition. The highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral flat feet is 50%, whereas the highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%. 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. People suffering from plantar fasciitis typically experience pain on the bottom of their feet that ranges from a mild annoyance to so severe that they cannot put any weight on the affected foot. 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. There are several types of evidence that may help support your claim for secondary service connection, including: If your pes planus and plantar fasciitis prevent you working, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability, or TDIU. Lastly, if your foot pain VA disability is so bad that you have effectively lost the use of them, you mayqualify for loss of use with the VA. For a free case evaluation, reach out to CCK today at 800-544-9144 or throughthis online contact form. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); They brought me from being stuck at 30%. Available to vets all over the US, we specialize in getting veterans the compensation they deserve. If strained, this tissue can develop micro-tears which then cause inflammation and pain. This percent rating only applies when plantar fasciitis affects both feet. Please complete this form to send us your message. Like flat feet, plantar fasciitis can bebrought on by activities such as running, high impact training, and prolonged standing. A veterans final VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. In my MEPS record they marked my feet down as Mild Pes Planus Asymptomatic. Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? The 0 percent VA disability rating for flat feet is appropriate for mild symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support . 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.. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is, Gout is an inflammatory disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Veterans who plan to file for disability compensation should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis. In veterans with symptoms, there may be complaints of the midfoot, heels, lower legs, knees, hips, and or back pain, which can all be linked and rated as secondary conditions to flat feet. If you feel that you received an inaccurate or unfair rating, be aware that you can appeal this by requesting aVA higher-level review. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. 8. Repeated stretching and tearing can irritate or inflame the fascia, causing severe heel pain.. At the same time, many people naturally develop flat feet later in life, thanks to conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 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. 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. For one, you will have to prove that your symptoms are directly related to your time in service. A nexus linking the veterans pes planus to the veterans in-service event or stressor. 20:55 What kind of Plantar Fasciitis treatments are available for you to do on your own? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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. The Department of Veterans Affairs changed its schedule of ratings for plantar fasciitis effective February 7, 2021. The effects of flat feet can vary greatly from case to case. If you are a US veteran suffering from either flat feet or plantar fasciitis that are service-connected, the VA should be paying you monthly for that disability. How to handle your C&P Exam for your VA benefits. What is the Pain Motion Principle for Flat 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. According to the National Institute of Health, this is because pes planus can cause an increased strain at the origin of the plantar fascia. 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. 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276. 38 C.F.R. 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. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 12. TDIU for Plantar Fasciitis TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. Is there evidence of pain on any of the following? A current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis on file with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Previous documentation of a primary service-connected disability, Evidence of a medical nexus that proves a connection between the previously claimed disability and the secondary disability of plantar fasciitis. 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). TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability, Denied VA Benefits? If you fall into this category you will get aVA disability rating of 0%. As regards to the joints, factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. Its also important to document whether youve tried heel cups, inserts, or night splints, and if those devices help or not. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 4. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices The bilateral factor is when a veteran has a disability that affects either both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 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. 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. 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. Do You Need Help Getting VA Disability for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis? If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. We invite veterans to get afree online evaluationfor your VA disability claim. 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. Is there objective evidence of marked deformity of one or both feet (pronation, abduction, etc.)? These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. 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. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 Current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis by a podiatrist or the veterans regular doctor. Pes planus is characterized by pain on manipulation and use of the feet or other foot pain as included in the higher evaluation criteria. 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). Pes planus, often known as flat feet, is a foot deformity where the arch of the foot is flattened to the point where it may even touch the ground. Additionally, people who work in professions that require long periods of time on their feet or who participate in certain forms of exercise, such as running, face an increased risk of developing pes planus or plantar fasciitis. 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. Appealed for Total and unable to work disability since 2014. Pes planus is a condition that often affects 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. Pes planus is normally rated with a diagnostic Code 5276 and on the other hand Plantar Fasciitis is rated under the diagnostic Code 5284. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. 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. Does the Veteran have characteristic calluses? Medical records for aggravated or secondary conditions must prove that the new injury is not temporary. 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. This will receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 10%. If only one foot displays symptoms, veterans are eligible for the next highestVA disability rating for foot pain of 30%. Having pes planus, or flat feet, can be an aggravating factor for plantar fasciitis. Once the form is filled out, veterans can submit the form to VA online, in person, or by mail. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Finally rated at 70%. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. The C&P examiner might order X-Rays of your feet to help determine if there is objective medical evidence, such as calcified heel spurs. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. In this post, we will be exploring how to increase your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis. 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). The reason it is a risk is that the arch of ones foot directly acts to protect the tissue of the plantar fascia. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. 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? Veterans who do not meet these criteria but are still unable to work due to their disabilities may qualify for extraschedular TDIU under 38 CFR 4.16b. 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. 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. 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%). Navigating the VA disability claims system can be challenging, regardless of the specific disability. 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. Regardless of the Veterans current employment status, do the condition(s) listed in the diagnosis section impact his or her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)? 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. 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.. 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. An important requirement for VA disability rating purposes is whether your foot condition is congenital or acquired. Very often, flat feet cause plantar fasciitis because the arch of the foot is putting extra strain on the plantar fascia, stretching it away from the heel. 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). 7. No, both of them together wont be able to get a rating, but the VA is required to give you the highest rating whenever two disabilities exclude each other. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 13. 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 youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. 3. The 30 percent rating for pes planus is appropriate for bilateral flat feet with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is a foot injury. The podiatrist will take X-rays and recommend the least invasive method possible for treating plantar fasciitis. The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. There are several risk factors for flat feet including: Obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, and diabetes. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. When this occurs, the veteran applying for disability benefits will need to undergo a C & P exam. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for pes planus is to have objective medical evidence that shows how your symptoms have worsened over time. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Many people who have flat feet or fallen arches never experience pain or impedimentswith walking. If your foot problems stem from your time in service, then youneed to get the compensation you deserve. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 If during your examination the VA doctor findscertain qualifying criteria, youmay be assigned a VA disability rating of 10%. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Denial after denial. To qualify for secondary service connection, veterans generally must provide medical evidence linking the secondary condition to the service-connected condition. Research has shownthat veterans are at a much higher risk of developing these conditions. 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. 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.. 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. 16. Plantar Fasciitis and Secondary VA Claims, Top 3 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Flat Feet (The Insiders Guide). Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Both of these conditions can be debilitating and cause pain in other areas such as the knees, back, and legs. 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 ground when you stand up. List of Common Conditions Secondary to Flat Feet: Can I Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis? 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. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? There are generally two ways that a veteran can qualify for TDIU: Forschedular TDIU, veterans must meet the criteria listed under38 CFR 4.16a. 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. If your case of plantar fasciitis is deemed severe, you may be eligible to receive a VA disability rating of 20-30%. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 22. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. A 10 percent rating applies for cases of plantar fasciitis classified as otherwise. 14. 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.. Prokarym v. This is why flat feet canbe directly connected as a service-related disability. 11. If yes, indicate the effect of symptoms and if the veteran receives relief in one or both sides of the foot. 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. 19. 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 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. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. Do you think you might have Plantar Fasciitis? Standing for extended periods and activities such as running can often trigger symptoms of pes planus. If you experience the following, then your plantar fasciitis case may be deemed pronounced by the VA: If these elements are present, and you have plantar fasciitis in one foot, you may receive a disability rating of 30%. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Since that time, we have provided compassionate They may also have a legal representative submit on their behalf. 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. 15. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). With proper care and/or treatment, many cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within one year. 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. Click the button below to start for FREE. If a veteran has bilateral pes planus, then the condition affects both feet. 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. However, if the veteran has actual loss of use of the foot, the rating is 40%. On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. 21. Once such arthritis has been documented, even if in the past, no further imaging studies are required by VA, even if arthritis has worsened. There is also a bilateral factormeaning veterans can get a higher VA rating for plantar fasciitis if they have the disability in both feet. Many veterans have flat feet aggravated by military service (beyond their natural progression), in which case, youre eligible for VA disability benefits based upon aggravation of a pre-service disability, assuming you have medical evidence showing that your flat feet worsened over time. Sometimes pes planus is the direct result of service, whereas in other instances, it may have been aggravated by service. 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.