This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar fasciitis is most commonly rated by analogy under DC 5276 (pes planus) or DC 5284 (foot injuries).
- Bilateral involvement receives higher ratings than unilateral at every severity level.
- Very common in infantry, airborne, and other MOSs involving extensive marching, running, and rucking.
- Can develop secondary to knee, back, or ankle conditions that alter gait and foot mechanics.
- Custom orthotics that fail to improve the condition support higher severity ratings.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Plantar fasciitis is a musculoskeletal condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes. It causes stabbing heel pain that is typically worst with the first steps in the morning. The VA most commonly rates plantar fasciitis by analogy under Diagnostic Code 5276 (flatfoot/pes planus) or DC 5284 (foot injuries, other).
Ratings under DC 5276 distinguish between unilateral and bilateral involvement, with the bilateral condition rated higher at each level. The severity ranges from moderate (10%) to pronounced (50% bilateral). Under DC 5284, ratings are based on the overall severity of foot impairment: moderate (10%), moderately severe (20%), or severe (30%).
Plantar fasciitis is extremely common among veterans whose military service involved extensive marching, running, rucking, or prolonged standing, particularly infantry, airborne, and other combat arms MOSs. It can also develop secondary to other service-connected conditions that alter gait mechanics, such as knee or back conditions.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, pain on manipulation and use of the feet (bilateral or unilateral). |
| 20% | Severe unilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. |
| 30% | Severe bilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. Or pronounced unilateral. |
| 50% | Pronounced bilateral: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. |
- 10%
Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, pain on manipulation and use of the feet (bilateral or unilateral).
- 20%
Severe unilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
- 30%
Severe bilateral: objective evidence of marked deformity, pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. Or pronounced unilateral.
- 50%
Pronounced bilateral: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Weight-bearing X-rays
X-rays of the feet taken while standing, showing any heel spurs, arch changes, or structural abnormalities associated with plantar fasciitis.
Recommended
MRI of the foot
MRI showing thickening or inflammation of the plantar fascia, which provides direct evidence of the condition.
Podiatry records
Treatment records from podiatry showing diagnosis, treatment history including orthotics, injections, or other interventions.
Service records documenting activity
Military records showing MOS, deployment history, and activities involving prolonged standing, marching, or running.
Helpful
Custom orthotics documentation
Records of custom orthotic devices prescribed, indicating severity that requires specialized treatment.
Buddy statements
Statements describing observed limping, difficulty walking, or changes in activity level due to foot pain.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Plantar Fasciitis. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Knee Condition
DC 5260, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Lower Back Pain
DC 5237, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Hip Condition
DC 5252, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.