Back, joints, and feet

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis. Diagnostic Code 5269.

Veticare EducationUpdated October 2026Source: 38 CFR 4.71a

Overview

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, often causing heel pain that is worst with the first steps of the day.

How VA rates it

Diagnostic Code 5269 · 38 CFR 4.71a

Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.

Rating	Summary of the criteria
40%	With actual loss of use of the foot.
30%	No relief from both non surgical and surgical treatment, both feet.
20%	No relief from both non surgical and surgical treatment, one foot.
10%	Otherwise, one or both feet.

If surgery is recommended but the veteran is not a surgical candidate, the regulation says to use the 20 or 30 percent criteria.

Common secondary connections

These are conditions often discussed in connection with Plantar fasciitis. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.

Flatfoot
Knee, hip, or back conditions

Presumptive notes

VA does not list this condition on its main presumptive lists covered in this library. Service connection is generally shown with evidence of a current condition, an in service event, and a link between them. See VA hazardous materials exposure for other presumptive programs.

Evidence veterans generally gather

VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:

Podiatry records
Records of treatments tried, such as orthotics or injections
Statements about pain with standing and walking
A current diagnosis from a medical provider
Service treatment records and personnel records
VA and private treatment records
Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available

Official source

Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.

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Education only. This page explains how VA publishes its rating rules in plain language. It is not advice about your claim, and it does not predict or promise any rating or outcome. Only VA decides ratings. Veticare is not a VA accredited representative and has no referral partnerships. For help with a claim, find free accredited help at the VA accreditation search.