Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)

DC 5276Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5276

Inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot causing heel pain. The VA typically rates this under acquired flatfoot (DC 5276) or by analogy under foot injuries (DC 5284).

Rating Levels

You have pronounced plantar fasciitis bilaterally: marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthotics.

What the VA looks for

Marked pronation
Extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces
Marked inward displacement of Achilles tendon
Severe spasm on manipulation
Not improved by orthotics

Common Pitfalls

⚠Plantar fasciitis is often rated by analogy — make sure the correct diagnostic code is applied (5276 for flatfoot-like symptoms, or 5284 for other foot injuries).
⚠Not documenting that orthotics do NOT relieve symptoms — this is the threshold for higher ratings.
⚠Not filing bilaterally if both feet are affected.
⚠Not connecting foot problems to knee, hip, or back conditions caused by altered gait.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Flatfoot (Pes Planus) Conditions
DBQ Foot Conditions (Other)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

You have pronounced plantar fasciitis bilaterally: marked pronation, extreme tenderness, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, not improved by orthotics.

What the VA looks for

Marked pronation
Extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces
Marked inward displacement of Achilles tendon
Severe spasm on manipulation
Not improved by orthotics

Common Pitfalls

⚠Plantar fasciitis is often rated by analogy — make sure the correct diagnostic code is applied (5276 for flatfoot-like symptoms, or 5284 for other foot injuries).

⚠Not documenting that orthotics do NOT relieve symptoms — this is the threshold for higher ratings.

⚠Not filing bilaterally if both feet are affected.

⚠Not connecting foot problems to knee, hip, or back conditions caused by altered gait.