This guide covers how the VA actually rates feet / plantar fasciitis under diagnostic code 5269 / 5276 — the criteria the rater applies, the evidence that carries weight, and the related conditions veterans most often leave unclaimed. It's the same playbook our own case managers work from.
How the VA rates it
Plantar fasciitis: 10% = has NOT yet tried both non-surgical AND surgical treatment · 20% = one foot, no relief from both · 30% = both feet, no relief from both. Flatfoot (5276) runs mild→pronounced, to 30% unilateral / 50% bilateral pronounced. TREATMENT HISTORY IS THE RATING.
Honest ceiling: 30% — both feet, no relief from non-surgical AND surgical care.
The evidence that wins
Service connection: Boots + ruck miles; onset in service or overcompensation gait.
Medical opinion (nexus): Podiatry note tying it to service or a rated joint.
Secondary conditions veterans miss
Conditions that commonly develop because of this one can be service-connected on top of it:
- Knees / hips / back from altered gait — Years of walking wrong builds real, ratable secondaries up the chain
Filing it right the first time
Most denials on feet / plantar fasciitis claims trace to the same failures: the evidence never addressed the actual rating criteria, the connection to service was asserted instead of supported, or the C&P exam went sideways because nobody prepared for it. A complete file — records, statements written to the criteria above, and honest exam preparation — is the difference.
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