Did you develop plantar fasciitis after serving in the U.S. Armed Forces? You may be entitled to VA benefits that provide financial compensation for service-connected foot conditions. However, you need the correct VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis to maximize your benefits. Small mistakes during the application process can delay your claim or prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.
Consulting an attorney can help you understand the VA rating system and how to build a solid disability claim for plantar fasciitis.
If you are a veteran living in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, or elsewhere in Michigan, the trusted attorneys at Disability Law Group can assist you effectively, efficiently, and affordably. We know how to cut through the red tape that may prevent you from getting full and fair VA benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about pursuing VA compensation for plantar fasciitis.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue spanning across the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot. However, the plantar fascia can become damaged or worn when a person puts weight on their foot while standing, walking, or running. This stress can increase when a person becomes overweight or carries heavy loads.
Eventually, injury, excessive stress, or overuse can cause the plantar fascia to lose elasticity or become damaged, leading to irritation and inflammation. Servicemembers who did a lot of walking, running, or standing in the line of duty are at risk of developing or aggravating the condition.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
The degenerative nature of plantar fasciitis can cause people to experience various symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Heel pain
- Pain in the arch or bottom of the foot
- Stiffness
- Swelling in the heel
- Tightness in the Achilles tendon
Veterans may also experience symptoms like:
- Severe pain first thing in the morning
- Pain that begins upon standing up after sitting or lying down but dissipates after several minutes of walking
- A constant dull pain
- Sharp or stabbing pain caused by using or putting pressure/weight on the affected foot
- Pain that worsens after exercising or prolonged use of the affected foot
How Does Military Service Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
Military service can cause servicemembers to develop plantar fasciitis, though symptoms may not manifest until after discharge. A military career may include tasks requiring servicemembers to spend long hours on their feet marching, jumping, or running through rugged terrain or on hard pavement, often while carrying heavy equipment loads. These jobs place immense pressure on the feet and can lead to a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.
Various physical or medical conditions, including high arch, flat foot, obesity, or rapid weight gain, can also increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Average VA Disability Rating for Plantar Fasciitis
Different forms of plantar fasciitis can entitle a veteran to specific VA disability ratings. The VA disability ratings for plantar fasciitis include:
- Unilateral or bilateral plantar fasciitis with actual loss of use of foot – 40 percent
- Bilateral plantar fasciitis with no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment – 30 percent
- Unilateral plantar fasciitis with no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment – 20 percent
- Other unilateral or bilateral plantar fasciitis with recommended surgical intervention for veterans who cannot undergo surgery – 20 percent (unilateral) or 30 percent (bilateral)
- Other unilateral or bilateral plantar fasciitis – 10 percent
To obtain a VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis, a veteran must receive a diagnosis from a podiatrist or physician. The doctor can determine treatment options, including surgery, physical therapy, or orthotic inserts. The VA will review a veteran’s medical records and potentially conduct another examination to assess the veteran’s disability rating.
Veterans who entered military service with preexisting plantar fasciitis may qualify for VA benefits if their service worsened or aggravated their condition. Under certain circumstances, a veteran can also apply for a secondary disability rating for their plantar fasciitis to increase their VA disability rating. For example, a veteran with service-connected flat feet may qualify for a secondary disability rating if they can connect their plantar fasciitis to their flat feet.
A veteran may qualify for a secondary plantar fasciitis VA rating if:
- They have a current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.
- They have a primary service-connected disability.
- Their plantar fasciitis shares a connection with another service-related disability or the other disability worsened their plantar fasciitis.
Getting the correct plantar fasciitis VA disability rating is crucial because it determines the financial benefits a veteran receives for their condition. Their monthly compensation will also depend on other factors, such as whether they have a dependent spouse, parent, or child.
In some cases, a veteran may receive total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) if they cannot maintain employment due to their service-connected condition, even though they may have a disability rating below 100 percent. However, to qualify for TDIU, a veteran must have either one service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more or two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40 percent and a combined rating of 70 percent or more.
Securing appropriate disability benefits for plantar fasciitis is also contingent upon a veteran’s discharge status. You generally cannot obtain VA benefits for a dishonorable discharge.
Contact an Experienced Disability Attorney for Legal Assistance
If you suffer from service-connected plantar fasciitis and need help applying for VA benefits or appealing a denied claim, reach out to a VA disability benefits lawyer from Disability Law Group today. Our law firm understands the complex VA regulations that apply to your case and will develop a solid strategy to pursue the disability benefits you deserve.
Our compassionate attorneys stay current with the ever-changing laws governing VA claims and can explain technical concepts in transparent and understandable language. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
