Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it significantly impacts many veterans due to their physical demands in service. Veterans often develop this condition due to activities like prolonged standing, marching, or carrying heavy loads. It’s a condition that can affect mobility, making it harder to perform day-to-day tasks and significantly reducing quality of life.
According to recent data, plantar fasciitis is the 26 most commonly claimed VA disability out of the top 50 most frequent claims. If you’ve filed for VA disability benefits for plantar fasciitis, you’ll likely need to attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you can expect from the exam and how to prepare.
“Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, especially for veterans who are used to physical activities. The C&P exam helps the VA determine the severity of the condition and its impact on a veteran’s ability to function,” says Brian Reese, a VA disability expert.
Also Read
Granulomatous Disease VA Ratings Explained: What Veterans Need to Know
What to Expect at a C&P Exam for Plantar Fasciitis?
A C&P exam for plantar fasciitis is designed to assess:
- Diagnosis: Whether you have plantar fasciitis.
- Nexus: If your condition is linked to your military service or a service-connected disability.
- Severity: The extent of your symptoms, including frequency, pain levels, and how the condition impacts your daily life and work.
What Happens During the Exam?
The examiner will begin by reviewing your medical history, including any foot conditions, treatments you’ve received, and the outcomes. They will also consider your military service history, particularly any activities that could have contributed to plantar fasciitis, such as heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or marching.
“A thorough review of your service history is crucial. The examiner will assess how military activities may have contributed to the onset of plantar fasciitis,” explains Dr. James Clark, a veteran health advisor.
Symptoms and Pain Assessment
You’ll be asked to describe the onset of your condition, how often you experience pain, and how intense the pain is. Common symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The examiner will also ask about flare-ups, and how your symptoms affect your daily activities, work, and social life.
Physical Examination
The examiner will check for:
- Tenderness in your heels and the bottom of your feet.
- Altered gait or limping, which may occur if you try to avoid pain.
- Arch examination to see if you have flat feet, which can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
The examiner might perform specific tests to assess the tightness or stiffness of the plantar fascia and to see how your foot reacts to different movements.
Imaging Studies
While plantar fasciitis is often diagnosed through physical examination and medical history, the examiner might request X-rays to rule out other causes of heel pain, such as heel spurs or stress fractures. Sometimes ultrasounds or MRIs are used to evaluate the condition more thoroughly.
“While plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed based on physical symptoms, imaging can help confirm the condition and rule out other possible issues,” notes Lauren Johnson, a VA claims representative.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
After the exam, the examiner will complete a DBQ for Foot Conditions. This form will outline the findings, the severity of your condition, and how it impacts your life. This information will then be submitted to the VA rater for further review and to determine your disability rating.
Common Questions You Might Be Asked During the C&P Exam
Below is a list of questions from the DBQ for Foot Conditions, including plantar fasciitis, that you can expect to answer during the exam:
| Section | Question |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | What is your current diagnosis for your foot condition? |
| On which side is your plantar fasciitis located? | |
| When was your plantar fasciitis first diagnosed? | |
| Medical History | Can you describe the history of your plantar fasciitis? |
| Do you experience pain in your foot due to plantar fasciitis? | |
| How do flare-ups affect your foot’s functionality? | |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Have you received any non-surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis? |
| Have you had any surgeries for plantar fasciitis? | |
| Functionality | Describe any functional loss of the foot/feet due to plantar fasciitis. |
| Pain and Functional Impact | Do you experience pain during physical exams of your feet? |
| Does this pain contribute to functional loss? | |
| Diagnostic Testing | Have any imaging studies been performed for your plantar fasciitis? |
| Functional Impact | Does plantar fasciitis impact your ability to work? |
Examples of Work, Life, and Functional Impacts of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can affect many aspects of a veteran’s life, including work, daily activities, and overall function. Here are some examples:
Work Impacts
- Reduced Mobility: Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking, like nursing, retail, or construction, can be difficult due to heel pain.
- Increased Absenteeism: Pain and the need for medical appointments may lead to more missed workdays.
- Decreased Productivity: Ongoing pain and discomfort can distract from work tasks, reducing productivity.
Life Impacts
- Daily Activities: Routine activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of bed can become painful and difficult.
- Exercise Limitations: Physical activities such as running or jumping may need to be avoided or modified, affecting overall fitness.
- Sleep Disturbances: Pain, especially at night, can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and mood changes.
Functional Impacts
- Altered Gait: To avoid pain, veterans might change the way they walk, which can lead to secondary issues like hip, knee, or back problems.
- Chronic Pain Cycle: Without effective treatment, plantar fasciitis can become a long-term, debilitating condition, affecting daily life and health.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Your VA C&P Exam for Plantar Fasciitis
Proper preparation for your C&P exam can help ensure your claim is handled efficiently and accurately. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:
1. Gather Medical Records
Bring all relevant medical records, including diagnoses, treatment histories, and medication lists. Ensure that the VA has access to all the documents needed to support your claim.
2. Maintain a Symptoms Diary
Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, noting when pain occurs, its severity, and any activities that make it better or worse. This diary can help illustrate the daily impact of your condition.
3. Take Pictures of Your Feet
Photograph your heels, especially during flare-ups. Images showing signs of swelling, redness, or tenderness can provide valuable evidence for your claim.
4. Document Functional Impacts
Note specific ways in which plantar fasciitis affects your life. Include work limitations, daily activity challenges, and how it impacts your overall mobility.
5. Review the DBQ for Foot Conditions
Familiarize yourself with the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for foot conditions before your exam. Understanding the questions ahead of time will allow you to provide clear and consistent answers during the exam.
Final Thought
A C&P exam for plantar fasciitis plays a critical role in determining your VA disability rating. By gathering the right documents, maintaining a symptoms diary, and being prepared for the questions and physical assessments, you can ensure that your condition is evaluated accurately, helping you secure the benefits you deserve.
“Preparation is key for a successful C&P exam. Bringing the right evidence and being clear about how your condition impacts your life can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim,” advises Brian Reese, a VA disability consultant.
FAQs
What is plantar fasciitis?
It’s a condition causing heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia at the bottom of the foot.
How does the VA rate plantar fasciitis?
The VA rates it from 10% to 30% depending on severity and whether one or both feet are affected.
Do I need to prove my plantar fasciitis is service-connected?
Yes, you must show a link between your condition and military service, such as prolonged standing or marching.
What should I bring to my C&P exam for plantar fasciitis?
Bring medical records, a symptoms diary, and photos of your feet during flare-ups.
What happens after my C&P exam?
The examiner submits a DBQ, and the VA uses it to determine your disability rating and compensation.
