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. If yes, (there is a functional loss due to pain, during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time), please describe the functional loss as well as cite and discuss evidence (must be specific to the case and based on all procurable evidence). Medical records for aggravated or secondary conditions must prove that the new injury is not temporary. Youll likely be referred from your Primary Care Doctor to a Podiatrist, who is a medical professional that specializes in the treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. 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.. I got medical records from when I was in service for being seen for Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. 23. 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. 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. Denial after denial. If you have foot pain from flat feet, this might be because you developed plantar fasciitis. Using information based on a review of all procurable information, to include the Veterans statement on examination, case-specific evidence (to include medical treatment records when applicable and lay evidence), the examiners medical expertise, and physical exam, select the factors below that contribute to functional loss or impairment (regardless of repetitive use) or to additional limitation of range of motion (ROM) after repetitive use for the joint or extremity being evaluated on this Disability Benefits Questionnaire for Flat Feet: 18. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards disability benefits for pes planus to veterans who meet the requirements for service connection. 20:55 What kind of Plantar Fasciitis treatments are available for you to do on your own? Service connection on a secondary basis requires a showing of causation.. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. You will need to get an outside opinion from a non-VA doctor and argue against the original examiners conclusions. 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.. These cookies do not store any personal information. 13:13 Plantar Fasciitis VA Ratings in 2022, 15:15 Signs and symptoms to look for in your feet, 16:45 Plantar Fasciitis can be unbelievably painful, dont downplay your symptoms, 19:00 Here are the common risk factors for Plantar Fasciitis. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. If yes, indicate the effect of symptoms and if the veteran receives relief in one or both sides of the foot. If you have yet to claim VAdisability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis, you should do so without delay. 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. Pes planus is normally rated with a diagnostic Code 5276 and on the other hand Plantar Fasciitis is rated under the diagnostic Code 5284. Common causes and risk factors for developing flat feet include: Other risk factors, such asobesityand partaking in frequent high-impact physical activity, like military training, may also lead to the development of flat feet. 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. 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? 4.26 Bilateral factor. 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 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. If a veteran has bilateral pes planus, then the condition affects both feet. If so, the rating you receive for this will impact your existing rating. 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. For one, you will have to prove that your symptoms are directly related to your time in service. All Rights Reserved. Although foot pain originates in the heel with plantar fasciitis, it can gravitate upwards towards the toes. Available to vets all over the US, we specialize in getting veterans the compensation they deserve. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. you viewed to avoid repetition. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] Is there any other functional loss during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time? bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis 50% My supplemental claim was for bilateral pes planus, which after my QTC exam I was certain I would be rated at the pronounced bilateral rating of 50% due to my conversation with the examiner and her comments as she examined my feet. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation deep within the fascia of the sole of the foot. 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. 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. 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%). If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Contact Us To qualify a veteran must experience marked pronation (inward rolling of the foot). 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. This includes things like requests fordifferent boots to be issued, requests for insoles or inserts. To be successfulclaiming aVA disability for flat feet and/or plantar fasciitis you will need to prove that your condition is a result of activities you underwent while in service. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. 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. 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. If pronounced pes planus is present in both feet (and supports do not help), veterans can receive the VA disability rating of 50%. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. A current medical diagnosis for flat feet; Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness; and. This will receive aVAdisability rating for foot pain of 10%. Flat feet can also be caused by age-related weakening of the tendons within the feet. Got administratively separated because of Pes Planus. 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. 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. The most severecategory of pes planus is pronounced, and depending on whether the affliction is bilateral or unilateral a veteran can receive aVA disability rating for foot pain of 30-50%. DATES: Effective February 7, 2021. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. Flat feet are a common condition thats usually painless; however, they can become painful over time due to overuse, obesity, running, military combat boots, or wearing poor insoles. 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. 16. 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. In my MEPS record they marked my feet down as Mild Pes Planus Asymptomatic. The legal firm of Hill & Ponton is here to help. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Appealed for Total and unable to work disability since 2014. For example, it may be that your condition is asecondary service-connected disability. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Okay, veterans lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis. Where pes planus is bilateral and pronounced, with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement, and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances, a 50 percent rating is to be assigned. CFR 38, Part 3, 3.306 Aggravation of Preservice Disability. TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time? Doctors and patients sometimes refer to plantar fasciitis as runners heel, painful sole syndrome, or neuritis. 30 percent rating when the veteran has received no relief from surgical or non-surgical treatment methods, such as wearing orthopedic shoes, inserts, or arch supports. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. disability ratings for shin splints, go here! TDIU for Plantar Fasciitis TDIU stands for total disability individual unemployability. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Does the Veteran have pain on manipulation of the feet? The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent. A medical nexus, or link, connecting pes planus to the in-service event. Veterans should be prepared to discuss specific ways that heel pain impacts their life, such as the inability to walk long distances. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. A medical nexus, which offers proof the health condition for which the veteran requests VA disability benefits was caused (or worsened) by his or her military service. Youll want to explain to the C&P examiner HOW your severe heel pain is limiting or affecting your work, life, and social functioning. 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. 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? While many people might have flat feet and not experience any serious symptoms or pain, others with more severe symptoms may experience: Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a thick band that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 50 Percent Flat Feet VA Rating (Bilateral), 30 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral), 30 Percent VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral), 20 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral), 10 Percent Pes Planus VA Rating (Bilateral or Unilateral), 0 Percent VA Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral or Unilateral). On this form, veterans will want to ensure that they are filing for plantar fasciitis as secondary to pes planus. 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. While we still have our home base in Florida, The most common and primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is the feeling of tenderness and pain on the sole of the foot that gets worse with walking and other weight-bearing activities. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 You're not alone. The rating schedule is as follows: If a veteran has bilateral pes planus, with plantar fasciitis, they should be eligible for a 50 percent rating for their pronounced bilateral pes planus, and a 30 percent rating for their plantar fasciitis since it affects both feet. If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date, and results. Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are two very common foot conditions that affect veterans. The same if you have bilateral plantar fasciitis. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. 38 C.F.R. You might even have medical records of treatment for pes planus or plantar fasciitis while in service. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. As regards to the joints, factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. Having flat feet is also a risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis. 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. Another condition that may exacerbate plantar fasciitis is pes planus. Prokarym v. 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. 11. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. Is the condition improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances? Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. 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. Whats more,you only have to pay for our services if we win your case for you. They may also have a legal representative submit on their behalf. 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. Veterans who qualify for TDIU must demonstrate they are unable to maintain gainful employment due to a 100 percent combined disability rating. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 However, those with more severe cases may experience symptoms such as: Pes planus may also aggravate or lead to plantar fasciitis. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. I started with 20% due to diabetes Agent Orange. 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. 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276. The VA ratesflat feetas perthe 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System,with the diagnostic code 5276. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is, Gout is an inflammatory disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. 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. However, if the veteran has actual loss of use of the foot, the rating is 40%. Pain may start in the heel and move towards the toes. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. However, activities and conditions that place strain on the feet can often aggravate the condition, resulting in pain, tissue damage, and difficulty with movement. Unilateral means that only one foot is affected, while bilateral means that both feet have developed symptoms. When SC is established for pes planus and plantar fasciitis, evaluate the symptoms of both conditions together under the DC warranting the highest evaluation for the combined impairment. A C&P exam for plantar fasciitis usually involves a physical examination and history of your foot condition and severity of symptoms over time. Common examples include losing weight, wearing orthopedic shoes, wearing shoe inserts, or buying shoes with arch support. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Your VAdisability rating for foot pain from pes planus or plantar fasciitis can affect your overall disability rating and compensation in a number of ways. What are the Flat Feet VA Disability Ratings? On the other hand, if youare experiencinginward bowing of theAchilles tendon as well as pain when using your foot/feet, then you may be deemed to have a moderate case of plantar fasciitis. What happens in the foot can affect the ankle. Then it would go in order of severity, in this case 50% for the pes planus + 30% for plantar fasciitis = VA math + 10% bilateral factor = Total disability rating? Rating 5269 Plantar fasciitis: No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral: 30 . Pes Planus, Aka flatfoot or flat feet is common among army veterans, air force service members, marines, and navy vets. Repetitive stretching and tearing of the plantar facia can result in pain and inflammation. Does the Veteran have decreased longitudinal arch height of one or both feet on weight-bearing? 6. 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).
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