VA Rating for Plantar Fasciitis: DC 5269, 10% to 30% Criteria and 2026 Pay
VA rates plantar fasciitis under diagnostic code (DC) 5269 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The schedule has 3 levels: 10%, 20% and 30%. The table below quotes each level word for word from the current CFR text and adds a one-line summary; the 2026 monthly compensation figures that follow are VA's published rates.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Criteria checked against the eCFR and Federal Register October 26, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Plantar fasciitis rating criteria in 38 CFR § 4.71a
Diagnostic code: DC 5269 Plantar fasciitis. Criteria are quoted from the current CFR; the plain-English column is our summary and is not part of the regulation.
| Rating | Criteria as printed in 38 CFR (quotation) | In plain English (our summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral | Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral. |
| 20% | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral. |
| 30% | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral | No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral. |
All 2 notes printed with these criteria (quotation):
Note (1): With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40 percent
Note (2): If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention, but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20 percent or 30 percent criteria, whichever is applicable
2026 VA monthly pay at each plantar fasciitis rating
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Same as alone; spouse amounts start at 30% |
| 20% | $356.66 | Same as alone; spouse amounts start at 30% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
VA does not add ratings together. When a veteran has more than one rated condition, VA combines them with its combined ratings table (38 CFR § 4.25), so the amounts above apply to a combined rating, not to this condition alone. Work out a combined rating with the VA disability calculator at /va-disability-calculator/.
VA disability calculator · Full VA disability pay chart with children and parents
How the criteria are written
DC 5269 has its own code in the current § 4.71a. CFR Appendix A lists it as added February 7, 2021, the effective date of the 2020 musculoskeletal final rule (85 FR 76453).
The levels depend on the response to treatment ("no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment") and on whether one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral) are involved. The lowest level, 10%, is "Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral".
Note (1) says that with actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40 percent. Note (2) says that if a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20 percent or 30 percent criteria, whichever is applicable.
VA publishes Disability Benefits Questionnaires for this area (benefits.va.gov): Foot Conditions Including Flatfoot (Pes Planus) DBQ.
Is this the current rule?
Source text. § 4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system. from the eCFR (38 CFR Part 4), text up to date as of October 22, 2026, retrieved October 26, 2026. Read the section on eCFR.
Latest final rule affecting the section. 86 FR 8142 (final rule), Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Musculoskeletal System and Muscle Injuries; Correction, published February 4, 2021, effective February 7, 2021. Latest entry in the section's amendment history in the eCFR. It corrects the 2020 musculoskeletal rule (85 FR 76453), which changed several joint, arthritis and foot entries in this section (CFR Appendix A dates those changes February 7, 2021).
Rule that set these criteria. 85 FR 76453, effective February 7, 2021. The 2020 musculoskeletal final rule added DC 5269; CFR Appendix A dates the addition February 7, 2021.
- DC 5269: Added February 7, 2021.
Upcoming changes. Our Federal Register search on October 26, 2026 found no final rule for this section with an effective date after that day.
Proposed rules. The search found no proposed rule that would change these criteria.
Related conditions
- Knee: Another lower-extremity entry in § 4.71a (DC 5256 to 5263).
- Arthritis: DC 5003 and DC 5010 rate arthritis of the foot and other joints by limitation of motion.
- Flat feet: Another foot entry in § 4.71a (DC 5276), listed just after DC 5269 in the foot table.
- All VA disability ratings by condition
Questions about the Plantar fasciitis rating
What diagnostic code does VA use for plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is rated under diagnostic code (DC) 5269 in 38 CFR § 4.71a, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The code lists are quoted from the eCFR text current as of October 22, 2026.
What are the VA rating levels for plantar fasciitis?
The schedule has 3 levels for plantar fasciitis: 10%, 20% and 30%. Each level has its own criteria, quoted in the table on this page. VA decides which level applies to a claim.
How much is VA disability pay for a plantar fasciitis rating in 2026?
VA's 2026 monthly rates for a veteran alone, with the with-spouse amount for 30% and higher, are 10%: $180.42; 20%: $356.66; 30%: $552.47 ($617.47 with a spouse). Rates took effect December 1, 2025. The amount you are paid depends on your combined rating, not on this condition alone.
Are ratings for plantar fasciitis added to my other ratings?
No. VA does not add ratings together; it combines them using the combined ratings table in 38 CFR § 4.25. Use the VA disability calculator on this site at /va-disability-calculator/ to see how ratings combine.
Does plantar fasciitis have its own VA diagnostic code?
Yes. DC 5269, Plantar fasciitis, appears in the foot section of 38 CFR § 4.71a, and CFR Appendix A lists it as added February 7, 2021.
What do the notes under DC 5269 say?
Note (1): "With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40 percent". Note (2): "If a veteran has been recommended for surgical intervention, but is not a surgical candidate, evaluate under the 20 percent or 30 percent criteria, whichever is applicable".
Does this page decide my VA rating?
No. FedRateCalc is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This page quotes the rating schedule and VA's published rates for information only; it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides the rating and the payment.