VA Disability Rating for Plantar Fasciitis
Rated 10/20/30% by severity and response to treatment. Newer dedicated DC as of 2021 — do not accept a 5299-5020 analogous rating.
Plantar fasciitis has its own diagnostic code (5269) as of February 2021. Prior claims rated by analogy under DC 5299-5020 (tenosynovitis) may be due for increase. The 30% rating applies bilaterally with no surgical response.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Unilateral or bilateral with symptoms relieved by arch supports. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Unilateral not responding to conservative treatment, OR bilateral with symptoms relieved by arch supports. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Bilateral without surgical relief. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
How to get rated for plantar fasciitis
- Diagnosis from podiatrist or orthopedist.
- Document conservative treatment tried (arch supports, stretching, physical therapy, cortisone injections).
- Bilateral? File as such — triggers the 30% tier if treatment has not helped.
Common secondary conditions
- +Knee condition (from altered gait)
- +Lumbar spine (from altered gait)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- In-service: document boots, prolonged standing, marching — all well-established causes.
- If rated under old DC 5299-5020, file for increase citing the dedicated DC 5269 and bilateral involvement.
Frequently asked
I was rated 10% under 5299-5020. Can I get an increase?
Yes — file a claim citing the dedicated DC 5269 (effective Feb 2021) and any bilateral involvement or treatment-resistant symptoms.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.