38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.71a
Plantar Fasciitis
dc-5269-plantar-fasciitis
Musculoskeletal
Diagnostic code
5269
Why your DC matters: DC 5269 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 5269 — Plantar Fasciitis — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.71a in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (5269) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “5269”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 5269 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 5269 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Plantar fasciitis got its own diagnostic code in the February 2021 musculoskeletal update — before that it was rated by analogy under other foot codes and frequently came back at 0%. The new code is friendlier, but most veterans still get under-rated because they don't document failed conservative treatment.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | Bilateral, with surgery not relieving symptoms — OR bilateral, not improved by non-surgical treatment. | Op reports showing release/implant procedures + post-op notes still documenting pain; OR PT, orthotic, injection records documenting failure on both feet. |
| 20% | Unilateral, with surgery not relieving symptoms — OR unilateral, not improved by non-surgical treatment. | Same as 30% but for one foot. |
| 10% | Unilateral or bilateral, improved by non-surgical or surgical treatment. | Diagnosis + ongoing use of orthotics, stretching protocol, or completed PT with partial symptom relief. |
What Qualifies as 'Plantar Fasciitis' Under DC 5269?
Confirmed plantar fasciitis diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis with classic findings: pain at the medial calcaneal tubercle, worst with first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Imaging optional but supportive (ultrasound or MRI showing plantar fascia thickening > 4mm).
Treatment response + laterality drive the tier
Added to the schedule in February 2021. Tiers ladder by (1) one foot vs both, and (2) whether treatment improved the condition:
- • 10% — unilateral or bilateral, improved by treatment
- • 20% — unilateral, NOT improved by surgical OR non-surgical treatment
- • 30% — bilateral, NOT improved by surgical OR non-surgical treatment
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Not improved by non-surgical treatment”
This is THE phrase that unlocks 20% or 30%. If your records show PT, orthotics, NSAIDs, injections, night splints — and you're still symptomatic — make sure the DBQ says exactly 'not improved by non-surgical treatment.' Vague language like 'continued pain' may keep you at 10%.
“Bilateral”
Bilateral is the simplest path from 20% to 30%. If both feet hurt, get both feet examined and documented. Many examiners only document the worse foot.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Foot DBQ
CRITICALMake sure both feet are examined separately if both are symptomatic. Examiner should comment on response to treatment, not just current pain.
Conservative treatment trail
CRITICALPT notes, orthotic prescriptions, injection logs (cortisone), night splint use, NSAID trials. The longer and more varied the trail, the stronger the 'not improved' case.
Imaging (ultrasound or MRI)
IMPORTANTDocuments plantar fascia thickening (>4mm) — objective severity evidence.
Footwear / orthotic receipts
SUPPORTINGCustom orthotics, supportive shoes, boots required for work. Shows ongoing accommodation.
In-service evidence (for service connection)
CRITICALSTRs showing foot pain complaints, prolonged standing/marching MOS, boot wear records. Or nexus letter linking to a service-connected gait change (back, knee).
C&P Exam Tips
Bring your treatment log
PT visits, injections, splint use, orthotic dates. Tell the examiner what you've tried AND that it didn't fix the pain.
Mention morning pain specifically
Classic plantar fasciitis is worst with first steps in the morning. Examiners listen for that hallmark — describing it helps confirm diagnosis severity.
Don't only describe pain when standing all day
If pain is only with prolonged standing, that reads as mild. Describe pain at rest, after sitting, with first steps — daily impact, not just occupational.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing without a documented conservative treatment trail
Without PT/orthotics/injections in your records, the rater has nothing to evaluate 'not improved by non-surgical treatment.' Get the records in order BEFORE filing for increase.
Letting examiner document only one foot
If both feet hurt, both must be in the DBQ. Bilateral doubles your rating ceiling under DC 5269.
Not claiming secondary musculoskeletal conditions
Plantar fasciitis changes your gait, leading to knee, hip, and back issues. File those as secondary if they developed after the foot pain.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Document the failed treatment trail before filing
Don't file at 10% and hope for the best. Spend 6–12 months getting PT, custom orthotics, and a cortisone injection through your civilian or VA provider. Then file — with paperwork showing nothing worked, the rater has cover to go 20% or 30%.
⚡ Bilateral = 30% ceiling, unilateral = 20%
If both feet are symptomatic, ensure the DBQ examines and rates both. This single distinction is the difference between $338/mo and $524/mo.
⚡ Combat MOS or boot-heavy job = nexus is automatic
Infantry, MP, Marines, anyone with documented prolonged-standing or marching duty — your STR with foot complaints + current diagnosis is usually enough for direct service connection. No nexus letter required.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Lumbar strain / low back pain
MODERATEDC 5237
Altered gait from foot pain shifts load to the lumbar spine. Well-accepted secondary if foot pain came first.
Knee strain
MODERATEDC 5260
Compensatory gait stresses the knees. Strongest when imaging shows degenerative changes post-dating the foot diagnosis.
Hip strain
SITUATIONALDC 5252
Less common but documented. Requires clear gait abnormality on exam.
Pes planus (flat foot)
SITUATIONALDC 5276
Often co-occurs. Rate whichever code yields the higher evaluation (no pyramiding).
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Unilateral or bilateral, improved by treatment.
20% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$356.66
TOTAL
$356.66/mo
Unilateral, treatment-resistant.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Bilateral, treatment-resistant — the ceiling for DC 5269.
30% with spouse + 1 child
Base rating
$552.47
Dependents (spouse + 1 child)
+$114.00
TOTAL
$666.47/mo
Bilateral treatment-resistant plantar fasciitis with family.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🦶What is the Plantar Fascia?
A thick band of connective tissue running from the heel to the toes, supporting the foot's arch. Repeated stress causes microtears, inflammation, and chronic pain — the classic 'first-step pain in the morning' pattern.
🎯What is 'Not Improved by Non-Surgical Treatment'?
The phrase that unlocks 20% (unilateral) or 30% (bilateral). Requires a documented trail of failed conservative treatment: PT, orthotics, night splints, NSAIDs, cortisone injections. Vague phrases like 'continued pain' may keep you at 10%.
👣What is 'Bilateral'?
Both feet symptomatic. Bilateral plantar fasciitis is the simplest path from 20% to 30% — but both feet must be examined and documented on the DBQ. Many examiners only address the worse foot.
How to File Your Claim
Build a documented conservative treatment trail BEFORE filing for increase
Aim for 6–12 months showing PT (≥ 8 visits), custom orthotic Rx, ≥ 1 cortisone injection, NSAID trial, and night splint use. Without this paper trail, 20%/30% is impossible.
File VA Form 21-526EZ listing 'plantar fasciitis, bilateral' if applicable
If both feet hurt, file BOTH feet — separately if needed. Bilateral is the simplest path to 30%.
Submit foot DBQ with both feet examined separately
Insist the examiner document each foot's findings, treatment response, and current pain. A single-foot DBQ caps you at 20%.
Attach treatment records + imaging if available
Ultrasound or MRI showing plantar fascia thickening (> 4mm) is objective severity evidence. Imaging is optional but strengthens the file.
File secondary musculoskeletal claims if symptoms emerged after the foot pain
Altered gait stresses knees, hips, low back. Each is a separate claim if you can show the foot condition came first.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Build the failed-treatment record BEFORE you file
20% and 30% require documented treatment failure. Filing prematurely caps you at 10% and forces a long wait for the next increase claim. Spend the months getting PT + orthotics + injections in the chart.
Bilateral doubles your ceiling — make sure both feet are examined
If both feet are symptomatic, both must be on the DBQ separately. Bilateral pronounced = 30%. Unilateral pronounced caps at 20%.
Combat MOS + STR foot complaints = automatic nexus
Infantry, MP, Marines, anyone with documented prolonged-standing or marching duty + STR foot complaints = direct service connection without a nexus letter.
DC 5269 is new (added Feb 2021) — check your effective date
Veterans with claims pre-dating Feb 2021 may be rated under analogy codes (DC 5276 pes planus, DC 5284 other foot injuries) and could benefit from a re-rating under the new code.
Additional VA Benefits You May Qualify For
🥾Custom orthotics through VA Podiatry
Service-connected veterans receive custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and ongoing podiatry care at no cost.
🎓Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31 VR&E)
If foot pain limits your prior occupation (e.g., infantry, mail carrier), VR&E can retrain you for less foot-intensive work at no cost.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DC 5269 cover heel spurs?
Heel spurs are usually rated by analogy under DC 5269 if symptoms are the same plantar-fasciitis pattern. Some claims still use the older DC 5284 (other foot injuries) — verify with a VSO.
Can I get 30% if only one foot is treatment-resistant?
No — bilateral treatment-resistant is required for 30%. Unilateral treatment-resistant caps at 20%. If both feet hurt but only one has failed treatment, build the trail for both before filing for increase.
Does surgery automatically improve my chances of a higher rating?
Counter-intuitive answer: yes. The schedule explicitly contemplates 'surgery not relieving symptoms.' Post-surgical persistent pain documented in op reports + follow-up notes supports 20%/30%.
Can I file plantar fasciitis AND pes planus separately?
Sometimes. § 4.14 prevents rating the same disability twice. If the conditions are distinguishable (e.g., arch deformity vs fascial pain at different anatomical points), separate ratings may be possible. Verify with a VSO before filing.
Is plantar fasciitis presumptive for any veteran group?
No formal presumption, but documented in-service foot complaints (sick call notes, profile changes) + a boot-heavy MOS make direct service connection essentially automatic.
Official Regulatory Source
Plantar fasciitis is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5269 (added February 2021).
38 CFR § 4.71a — Musculoskeletal System (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 5269 for the full rating schedule. The DC was added in the 2021 musculoskeletal update.
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
DC 5269 was added Feb 2021. Veterans with claims pre-dating that update may be rated under analogy codes (5276 pes planus, 5284 other foot injuries). Verify which version of § 4.71a applies to your effective date.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 5269, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 5269 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.