VA Diagnostic Code 5269Plantar fasciitis:
Rated from 10% to 30% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 30%
No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral
- 20%
No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral
- 10%
Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note (1): With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40 percent
- Note (2): If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention, but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20 percent or 30 percent criteria, whichever is applicable
Plantar Fasciitis (VA Diagnostic Code 5269)
Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a
What This Condition Is
Plantar fasciitis is a condition affecting the foot, rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 5269 within the Musculoskeletal System. The VA evaluates it based on how the condition responds to treatment and whether it affects one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral).
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability percentage based on the criteria below:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral (both feet) |
| 20% | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral (one foot) |
| 10% | Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral |
What the VA Looks For
When rating plantar fasciitis, the VA considers:
- Whether treatment has provided relief. The higher rating levels (20% and 30%) apply when a veteran has found no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment.
- Whether the condition affects one foot or both. A bilateral condition (both feet) that has not responded to treatment is rated at 30%, while the same situation in one foot (unilateral) is rated at 20%.
Important Notes
- Loss of use of the foot: With actual loss of use of the foot, the condition is rated at 40 percent.
- Recommended for surgery but not a surgical candidate: If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention but is not a surgical candidate, the VA evaluates the condition under the 20 percent or 30 percent criteria, whichever is applicable.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5269. Individual ratings depend on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5269. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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