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. 38 C.F.R. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Got administratively separated because of Pes Planus. During a C & P exam for plantar fasciitis, a doctor may take X-rays and likely physically examine each foot. A showing of causation requires that the secondary disability be shown to be proximately due to or proximately aggravated by another service-connected disability. If it is bilateral (affects both feet) then your disability rating may be 30%. Is there a lower extremity deformity other than pes planus, causing alteration of the weight-bearing line? Pes planus is characterized by pain on manipulation and use of the feet or other foot pain as included in the higher evaluation criteria. Maybe you enjoy running and working out, but youve had to stop or significantly alter your routines because of your plantar fasciitis. To qualify for secondary service connection, veterans generally must provide medical evidence linking the secondary condition to the service-connected condition. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 Sometimes pes planus is the direct result of service, whereas in other instances, it may have been aggravated by service. Now that we are clear on the differences and overlap of flat feet and plantar fasciitis, lets get into the details on theVA disability rating for foot pain. 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. 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.)? Bilateral Pes Planus (Flat Feet) VA Ratings | CCK Law This matter returns to the Court following a July 9, 2012, memorandum decision that, interalia, vacated, in part, an October 12, 2010, Board decision and remanded the issue of entitlementto an initial disability rating greater than 10% for bilateral plantar fasciitis. Is there marked pronation of one foot or both feet? You're not alone. Has Diagnostic Testing been performed? Does the Veteran have marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon (rigid hindfoot) on manipulation of one or both feet? 3. The third part can be satisfied with a credible medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. Some Veterans may experience plantar fasciitis symptoms in both feet simultaneously or just one foot at a time. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. The criteria stipulate that veterans must haveone condition rated at 60 percent minimumORtwo conditions that can be combined to reach 70 percent, where one condition is at a minimum of 40 percent. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. However, if a veteran has both conditions diagnosed, with similar symptoms for each disability, according to the higher of two evaluations principle, the higher rating will be assigned if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 For a free case evaluation, reach out to CCK today at 800-544-9144 or throughthis online contact form. 38 C.F.R. Flat feet are considered a type of foot deformity (that can be exacerbated or triggered by strain). The photo below is an example of yellow calluses and cracking of the heel. Fill out the short form below to contact us. 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). 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. Filing a claim for secondary service connection involves the same process as filing any claim for service connection. 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. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide. 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. The highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral flat feet is 50%, whereas the highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%. 23. If tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia. Note: Diagnostic Testing is not necessary for every condition. Military service is a known cause of foot injuries and foot pain since soldiers stand much of the time and carry loads on their backs that can weigh up to 50 pounds. 24. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? If you fall into this category you will get aVA disability rating of 0%. Common examples include losing weight, wearing orthopedic shoes, wearing shoe inserts, or buying shoes with arch support. All Rights Reserved. There is also a bilateral factormeaning veterans can get a higher VA rating for plantar fasciitis if they have the disability in both feet. 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.. 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. 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Repetitive stretching and tearing of the plantar facia can result in pain and inflammation. The legal firm of Hill & Ponton is here to help. Please complete this form to send us your message. 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. Click the button below to start for FREE. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. Many people who have flat feet or fallen arches never experience pain or impedimentswith walking. A 20 percent rating applies when the veteran meets the above requirements, but the plantar fasciitis only impacts one foot. After reviewing the medical records, the next step is to file a VA disability benefits appeal. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. The 0 percent VA disability rating for flat feet is appropriate for mild symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support . After is it finished, it isimportant that yourequesta copy of the C&P examination. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Whether your case of flat feet is unilateral or bilateral will have an impact on yourVA disability rating. 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. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 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. Top 5 Facts for Veterans with Flat Feet VA Disability Claim They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. 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. 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. If your foot problems stem from your time in service, then youneed to get the compensation you deserve. You will need to get an outside opinion from a non-VA doctor and argue against the original examiners conclusions. Does the Veteran have decreased longitudinal arch height of one or both feet on weight-bearing? If both of your feet are affected, you may qualify for a VA disability rating of 30%. 4. 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. 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. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Veterans can be rated between0 percentand50 percenton a scale of mild (least severe) to pronounced (most severe). Veterans who qualify for TDIU must demonstrate they are unable to maintain gainful employment due to a 100 percent combined disability rating. Is there evidence of pain on any of the following? Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? 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. Because the maximum rating for this foot injury is 40 percent, veterans applying for TDIU must have at least a 60 percent disability rating from one or more primary or secondary conditions to qualify for TDIU. 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. Plantar fasciitis is the name for injury caused to the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that covers the bottom ofones 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. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. If strained, this tissue can develop micro-tears which then cause inflammation and pain. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. The condition wouldn't get the bilateral factor unless there was another lower extremity issue like say a knee or ankle condition. 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. If so, the rating you receive for this will impact your existing rating. You will also need to ensure that you get a fair plantar fasciitis VA rating during the evaluation process. 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. Veterans should be prepared to discuss specific ways that heel pain impacts their life, such as the inability to walk long distances. Federal Register :: Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Musculoskeletal Having pes planus, or flat feet, can be an aggravating factor for plantar fasciitis. TDIU for Plantar Fasciitis TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. How to Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis If you have yet to claim VA disability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis, you should do so without delay. which may lead to all sorts of feet conditions like plantar fasciitis, pes planus, hallux valgus, and more.. If you have been denied disability, orhave received a wrongful ratingwe can help. Hill & Ponton P.A. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Does the Veteran have Functional Impact to their work, life, and social functioning? Pain may start in the heel and move towards the toes. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. 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. yet assertive representation for our clients. Also note that you might have entered military service with flat feet, which is known as a pre-service disability.. THEN 30 and THEN 50%. For instance, which pages you go to most. There are several risk factors for flat feet including: Obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, and diabetes. 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. An increased strain on the plantar fascia can lead to plantar fasciitis. 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. The same if you have bilateral plantar fasciitis. 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. For one, you will have to prove that your symptoms are directly related to your time in service. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] If yes, indicate the effect of symptoms and if the veteran receives relief in one or both sides of the foot. The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the veteran should at least be awarded the minimum level of compensable disability for that condition. 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. Veterans who receive a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis leaving the military might still be eligible if medical evidence shows heel pain is proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability such as knee strain, hip conditions, and/or back conditions. Pes planus, flatfoot, is rated for acquired flatfoot. Okay, lets jump into how to get your pes planus rated for VA disability purposes. Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are two very common foot conditions that affect veterans. Top 3 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Flat Feet (The Insider's Guide) In this post, we will be exploring how to increase your VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. VA Disability for Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. To qualify a veteran must experience marked pronation (inward rolling of the foot). Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. 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. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 This percent rating can apply to one or both feet. The body needs uric acid to break down purines that are found in certain foods,. 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. Any injury that happens to you during your active duty is elligible for VA disability. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. For instance, which pages you go to most. On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. Like flat feet, plantar fasciitis can bebrought on by activities such as running, high impact training, and prolonged standing. 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. PDF United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 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. 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! Effective February 7, 2021, plantar fasciitis is rated under CFR 38, part 4, VA schedule of ratings, diagnostic code 5269, plantar fasciitis. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis can help contribute to a veterans eligibility for TDIU. Finally rated at 70%. 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. VA rates flatfoot under38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276. However, before you begin the VA evaluation process, there are some important things you need to be aware of. You may be owed compensation. This includes things like requests fordifferent boots to be issued, requests for insoles or inserts. There are generally two ways that a veteran can qualify for TDIU: Forschedular TDIU, veterans must meet the criteria listed under38 CFR 4.16a. Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus VA Rating, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. 20. 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. For example, perhaps you entered the military with flat feet but never had plantar fasciitis. Evidence of a service-connected primary disability (such as Knee Strain, Lumbar Strain or Back Pain, Hip Condition). 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. ), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses). 38 CFR 4.26 - Bilateral factor. | Electronic Code of Federal A nexus linking the veterans pes planus to the veterans in-service event or stressor. Available to vets all over the US, we specialize in getting veterans the compensation they deserve. 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. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Rate the underlying condition, minimum rating: 10 5278 Claw foot (pes cavus), acquired: Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity: . As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Veterans can learn more about how to qualify for TDIU benefits here. 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. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. A C&P exam for plantar fasciitis usually involves a physical examination and history of your foot condition and severity of symptoms over time. Flat feet can also cause problems in your ankles, knees, hips, and back because the condition can change the alignment of your legsthese are all common secondary conditions for secondary service connection. Plantar fasciitis is most common among runners, athletes, and people whose job requires them to stand on a hard surface for much of the day. 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%. A medical nexus, or link, connecting pes planus to the in-service event. C:\USCAVC_Docs\SINGLE.CVA\AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf AlexanderHD_22-0645.pdf They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Research has shownthat veterans are at a much higher risk of developing these conditions. Plantar fasciitis can make walking and other physical activities significantly more difficult. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is accentuated on use. Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation deep within the fascia of the sole of the foot. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. 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. Does the Veteran have characteristic calluses? Does the Veteran have extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces on one or both feet? However, activities and conditions that place strain on the feet can often aggravate the condition, resulting in pain, tissue damage, and difficulty with movement. As mentioned above, individuals with pes planus have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. 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). The podiatrist will take X-rays and recommend the least invasive method possible for treating plantar fasciitis. 7. 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. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? 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. As servicemembers often have to run for long distances during training, sometimes wearing boots, this can cause them to develop pes planus, and in turn, plantar fasciitis. medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. 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. 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? Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! When these tendons do not pull properly, the foot has little or no arch, resulting in flat feet. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 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..
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