What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is a condition where the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot. When it gets overstretched, tearing can occur. Repetitive stretching and tearing can cause pain and inflammation.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis most often affects those over the age of 40, but it can occur at any age. Profession, such as the military which require prolonged periods on your feet, or those who partake in certain forms of exercise, such as running, face an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

How to Get VA Disability Rating?

To establish a service connection for plantar fasciitis veterans must demonstrate: (1) a current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis; (2) an in-service event, injury, or illness; and (3) a medical link between the current diagnosis and in-service event

How is Plantar Fasciitis Rated?

Plantar fasciitis does not have its own rating criteria, it is rated analogous to other foot conditions with similar symptoms. It is typically rated under the diagnostic code for flatfoot.

Mild. If symptoms are relieved by the use of shoe inserts or supports, the veteran will be given a non-compensable rating of 0%

Moderate. If the veteran experiences “inward bowing of the tendo achilis” OR pain upon use or movement of the foot, a 10% rating may be assigned.

Severe. If there is an obvious deformity, increased pain with movement or use, swelling with use, presence of callosities:

• One foot affected – 20%
• Both feet affects – 30%

Pronounced. If the veteran experiences severe tenderness; marked pronation and inward displacement; if the Achilles tendon spasms when touched; and the use of orthopedic shoes or devices does not alleviate symptoms:

• One foot affected – 30%
• Both feet affected – 50%

The rating schedule also provides a diagnostic code for foot injuries besides those addressed in other diagnostic codes. Under this:

• Moderate – 10%
• Moderately Severe – 20%
• Severe – 30%
• Loss of Use – 40%

If the rating does not adequately reflect a veteran’s level of disability, they may be rated on an extraschedular basis.

Veterans Help Group have been supporting veterans in getting the benefits they deserve since 1995. If you or a loved one served, and suffer from plantar fasciitis, we are here to help. Call Veterans Help Group at 855-855-8992 or complete our free veterans benefits case evaluation form.