How the VA Rates Plantar Fasciitis
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5269 (effective 2021) criteria a VA rater evaluates Plantar Fasciitis against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5269 (effective 2021)
Plantar Fasciitis · 4 levels
- 40%$795.84a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 20%$356.66a month
- 10%$180.42a month
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5269 (effective 2021)
- Diagnostic code
- 5269
- Levels in the schedule
- 10% · 20% · 30% · 40%
- Top level (40%) pays
- $795.84/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5269 (effective 2021) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 40%
$795.84/month
With actual loss of use of the foot (Note (1) to DC 5269).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Actual loss of use of the foot
- 30%
$552.47/month
No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral. (Not-a-surgical-candidate rule of Note (2) also applies.)
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Both feet: no relief from non-surgical treatment AND no relief from surgery
- Or: surgery recommended for both feet but you are not a surgical candidate
- 20%
$356.66/month
No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral. (If a surgical procedure has been recommended but the veteran is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20% or 30% criteria, whichever applies — Note (2).)
Examples from this level’s criteria
- One foot: no relief from non-surgical treatment (orthotics, stretching, injections) AND no relief from surgery
- Or: surgery recommended but you are not a surgical candidate
- 10%
$180.42/month
Plantar fasciitis, otherwise (not meeting the 20% or 30% criteria), unilateral or bilateral.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Sharp heel pain, worst with first steps in the morning
- Pain along the arch with standing or walking
- Tenderness at the heel/arch on exam
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
The evidence that matters most
Records showing tried-and-failed conservative care (orthotics, PT, injections) — the rating turns on treatment that did not bring relief, and on whether one or both feet are involved
C&P exam tips for Plantar Fasciitis
- 1What wins this rating: documentation of which foot/feet are affected and — for the 20% and 30% tiers — that there was no relief from BOTH non-surgical treatment and surgery (or that surgery was recommended but you are not a surgical candidate).
- 2Bring records of orthotics, physical therapy, night splints, injections, or surgery and note continued symptoms.
- 3Describe the classic 'first-step' morning heel pain and how it limits standing and walking.
Common mistakes on Plantar Fasciitis claims
- Not documenting that prior treatment failed to relieve symptoms — improvement vs. non-improvement drives the rating.
- Failing to specify whether one or both feet are involved.
- Letting plantar fasciitis be merged with a general foot-injury rating instead of rated under its own code.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5269 (effective 2021) — diagnostic code 5269.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Plantar Fasciitis?
40% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Plantar Fasciitis. The criteria at that level describe: With actual loss of use of the foot (Note (1) to DC 5269).
How much does a 40% VA rating for Plantar Fasciitis pay in 2026?
$795.84 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Plantar Fasciitis claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.