5 VA Secondary Conditions to Plantar Fasciitis
By Telemedica
8/21/2025
If you have service-connected plantar fasciitis, you may be entitled to more than just a rating for heel pain.
Many veterans develop secondary conditions to plantar fasciitis, such as knee pain, hip pain, or back pain, that can be rated separately by the VA and increase your overall combined disability rating.
Understanding which conditions qualify, how the VA rates them, and what medical evidence you need is essential to getting the full benefits you rightfully deserve.
Key Takeaways
- VA plantar fasciitis ratings typically range from 10% to 40%, depending on severity, whether one or both feet are affected, whether it responds to treatment, and if there’s a loss of use.
- The VA won’t approve a secondary claim without a current diagnosis and credible medical evidence showing the connection to your service-connected plantar fasciitis.
- A nexus letter from a qualified medical provider can be a powerful tool in proving secondary service connection.
How the VA Rates Plantar Fasciitis
The VA rates plantar fasciitis under diagnostic code (DC) 5269, which considers whether the condition responds to treatment and whether it affects one or both feet.
Ratings typically range from 10% for mild cases to 40% for severe cases, causing loss of use of the foot.
The VA also considers whether plantar fasciitis is secondary to another service-connected condition, which can affect the overall combined disability rating.
>> View our Main Guide on Plantar Fasciitis VA Ratings
5 VA Secondary Conditions to Plantar Fasciitis
1. Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel that can form after long-term strain from plantar fasciitis.
The repeated inflammation of the plantar fascia can pull on the heel bone, causing calcium deposits to build up.
There is no specific diagnostic code for bone spurs; instead, the VA assigns a rating based on the criteria of a comparable condition with similar symptoms.
Many veterans with bone spurs are rated under DC 5279 for metatarsalgia (Morton’s Disease), which causes pain and swelling in the ball of the foot, if symptoms don’t overlap with plantar fasciitis and separate ratings are assigned.
2. Ankle Pain
Plantar fasciitis can change the way you walk, placing extra stress on your ankles and leading to pain or instability. Over time, this altered gait can limit ankle motion or cause joint strain.
The VA rates ankle pain under various diagnostic codes, depending on the cause, severity, deformity or positioning of the joints, and how much it limits your range of motion or function.
For example, the VA rates ankle ankylosis under DC 5270, with symptoms of stiffness, immobility, and abnormal positioning of the joint.
3. Knee Pain
Knee pain often develops when plantar fasciitis forces you to adjust your stance or stride. This extra strain on the knees can cause inflammation, instability, or limited motion.
The knee pain secondary to plantar fasciitis VA rating is determined under several diagnostic codes, typically ranging from 10% to 30% for limited motion or instability.
Higher ratings may be assigned for more severe impairment, especially if medical evidence shows how plantar fasciitis has caused or worsened your knee problems.
4. Hip Pain
When plantar fasciitis makes walking painful, you may shift your weight or change your posture, which can strain your hips over time.
This can cause joint inflammation, reduced mobility, or even chronic pain.
The VA rates hip issues under Diagnostic Codes 5250–5255, typically 10%–30% for limited motion, and up to 90% for severe impairments, with the link to plantar fasciitis strengthening a secondary service connection claim.
5. Lower Back Pain
Plantar fasciitis can affect your overall posture and the way you carry your weight, often leading to lower back strain. This can cause stiffness, limited range of motion, or nerve-related pain.
The plantar fasciitis secondary to back pain VA rating is based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, ranging from 10% for mild limitation to 100% for complete immobility.
Proving Secondary Service Connection
To qualify for VA benefits, you must show that your secondary condition was caused or worsened by your service-connected plantar fasciitis.
To prove secondary service connection, you must provide the following:
- A current primary service connection for plantar fasciitis
- A current medical diagnosis of your VA-ratable secondary condition performed by a qualified healthcare provider
- Documentation of supportive evidence, such as in your medical and/or personnel records, is reviewed by your provider.
- A medical nexus (link) showing documented evidence that your plantar fasciitis caused or worsened your secondary condition (e.g., a Nexus Letter)
Nexus Letter for Secondary Conditions
While the VA doesn’t require a nexus letter, it is highly recommended to prove secondary service connection.
A nexus letter for a secondary condition with a high probative value can strengthen the validity of your VA claim.
Unless there is a definitive connection between plantar fasciitis and a secondary condition, a nexus letter is often needed to prove secondary service connection.
Conclusion
Secondary conditions to plantar fasciitis can increase your overall rating, but you must prove the connection with clear, credible evidence.
A detailed medical nexus, backed by a current diagnosis and treatment records, can be the difference between a denied claim and maximum compensation.
Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims
Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?
Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!
Schedule your 20-minute consultation call and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What are the secondary conditions of plantar fasciitis?
Secondary conditions of plantar fasciitis are health issues that develop or worsen because of chronic heel pain. Common examples include ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain, as well as heel spurs.
What are the VA ratings for secondary conditions of plantar fasciitis?
VA ratings for secondary conditions to plantar fasciitis vary depending on the specific secondary condition. For example, VA ratings for knee or hip pain secondary to plantar fasciitis usually range from 10%–30% (up to 90% for hip pain), while severe back pain or loss of a foot may warrant even higher ratings.
Can back pain be secondary to plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Back pain can be secondary to plantar fasciitis because chronic heel pain often changes the way you walk or stand, which can strain your posture and place extra stress on your lower back.