Plantar fasciitis
The VA rates Plantar fasciitis under Diagnostic Code 5269 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 5269 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Plantar fasciitis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral |
| 20% | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral |
| 30% | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral |
“No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Plantar fasciitis in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5259Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomaticRated up to 10%
- 5260Leg, limitation of flexion ofRated up to 30%
- 5261Leg, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5262Tibia and fibula, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5263Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)Rated up to 10%
- 5270Ankle, ankylosis ofRated up to 40%
- 5271Ankle, limited motion ofRated up to 20%
- 5272Subastragalar or tarsal joint, ankylosis ofRated up to 20%
- 5273Os calcis or astragalus, malunion ofRated up to 20%
- 5274AstragalectomyRated up to 20%
Common Questions About Plantar fasciitis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Plantar fasciitis?
The VA rates Plantar fasciitis under Diagnostic Code 5269 at 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral. The maximum 30% rating requires: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Plantar fasciitis?
The VA rates Plantar fasciitis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5269, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 30% rating for Plantar fasciitis?
A 10% rating requires: Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral. A 30% rating requires: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Plantar fasciitis qualify for TDIU?
Plantar fasciitis maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Plantar fasciitis?
The key evidence for Plantar fasciitis is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Plantar fasciitis?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5269 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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