VA Disability Rating for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, also known as runner’s heel, is an excruciating foot condition that results in immense pain and discomfort. As a veteran suffering from plantar fasciitis, you may be entitled to up to a 40% VA disability rating if the condition is service-connected. Therefore, you may be able to get around $731.86 in monthly compensation from the VA. 

This guide will explore the VA disability ratings available for plantar fasciitis and will include the eligibility information. By the end, you will know the benefits you may get for the condition and how to ensure the best outcome.

Brief Information on Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful foot illness caused by inflammation of the fascia, which is a band of connective tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.

The condition is also known as painful sole syndrome, neuritis, or runner’s heel, and veterans are susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis due to the nature of their service, where they have to stand or walk for a long time on uneven or hard surfaces. 

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain and tenderness in the bottom of the foot, especially in the heel area. For a lot of people, the pain can range from mild to the point of limited mobility. 

VA Disability Ratings for Plantar Fasciitis

The disability rating for plantar fasciitis ranges from 10% to 40%, and the rating you may get depends on the severity of the condition and how it affects your daily life. Here are the ratings explained  –

10% Rating for Plantar Fasciitis

Veterans who have found relief with prescribed medicine for plantar fasciitis on one or both feet may receive a 10% VA rating. This rating amounts to around $165.92 in monthly payments, among other benefits.

20% Rating for Plantar Fasciitis

When you have plantar fasciitis in one foot and have not found relief from taking medications and face moderate levels of impairment in said foot, you will be able to get a 20% disability rating from the VA. The monthly compensation for this rating can be $327.99 as of 2023. 

30% Rating for Plantar Fasciitis

A 30% rating for plantar fasciitis is given if you have the condition affecting both feet and non-surgical and surgical treatment methods have not provided any relief. Moreover, the condition has significantly affected your mobility and daily life. 

40% Rating for Plantar Fasciitis

A 40% rating is the highest you can get for plantar fasciitis, and it is given to veterans who can no longer use their affected foot or feet due to the condition. 

How to Get Disability Benefits for Plantar Fasciitis

If you are a veteran and have plantar fasciitis that’s connected to your service, you will be able to receive disability benefits from the VA for this condition. To do that, you must provide the VA with a disability claim containing a diagnosis of the condition and evidence to support the service connection. Experts at VA Disability Coach can help you ensure that you receive the correct rating for your condition by assisting in your claim. 

Can VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain Apply to Plantar Fasciitis as Well?

VA disability ratings for back pain compensation may not directly apply to plantar fasciitis. While both conditions may cause physical discomfort and limit mobility, the severity and impact on daily life may differ. It is important for veterans with plantar fasciitis to pursue compensation claims specific to this condition to ensure a fair evaluation of their disability.

Conclusion

For many veterans, plantar fasciitis can be connected to flat feet, and in that case, they may be entitled to additional benefits. Make sure to discuss with your physician about the connection between both conditions and how they stem from your military service.