EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Plantar Fasciitis
DC 5276 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5276 |
Plantar Fasciitis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5276 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5276 across 4 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 50%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Heel Spurs or Knee Condition under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Chronic inflammation and micro-tearing of the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot, causing severe heel pain especially with first morning steps
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
0%
Mild: symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support.
10%
Moderate: weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of the feet (bilateral or unilateral).
30%
Severe bilateral (20% unilateral): objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
50%
Pronounced bilateral (30% unilateral): marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (6 MAPPED)
DC
Chronic inflammation causes bone spur formation
DC
Altered gait to avoid foot pain stresses knees
DC
Compensatory gait affects hips
DC
Antalgic gait stresses lower back
DC
Calf tightness contributes to both conditions
DC
Altered gait from foot pain stresses knee
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
SECONDARY CONDITIONS
MORE IN MUSCULOSKELETAL
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026