Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition among veterans, often connected to their military service. This condition can be directly linked to service if diagnosed or incurred during active duty or may be secondary to things like other orthopedic ailments or weight gain. Leah talks about what to expect during a Plantar Fasciitis C&P Exam.
The Preliminary Information
Notification and Preparation
Veterans scheduled for a C&P exam receive a packet several weeks before the examination. This packet includes details such as the examination location, time, and information about the examining healthcare professional. Upon arrival on the day of the exam, expect to fill out some paperwork.
Introduction to the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
The Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a document used to streamline the evaluation process. It aids adjudicators in assessing specific details of the condition, aligning them with the criteria in the 38 Code of Federal Regulation.
Understanding the DBQ for Plantar Fasciitis
Conditions Covered
The DBQ specifies the conditions under consideration. For plantar fasciitis, this includes foot-related issues such as flat feet, morton’s neuroma, neuralgia, metatarsalgia, and more.
History and Pain Assessment
Veterans will be asked about the history of the condition, pain experienced, and the impact of flare-ups on foot function. The examiner transcribes the veteran’s description and evaluates pain’s effect on functionality.
Functional Loss
Veterans are queried about functional loss due to plantar fasciitis, requiring them to describe it in their own words.
Surgical Intervention
If non-surgical or surgical treatments were pursued, the veteran provides details on their effectiveness.
Physical Examination
Specific questions relate to pain during passive or active motion, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing.
Functional Impact
Veterans outline how plantar fasciitis affects their employment, providing statements about the condition’s impact.
Diagnostic Studies
Information regarding any diagnostic studies, such as MRI or x-rays, is documented.
Functional Impairment
Veterans assess if their impairment is so severe that amputation would serve them equally.
Additional Information
The DBQ includes sections for any other pertinent physical findings, information on scars, and the use of assistive devices.
Diagnostic Studies and Functional Impact
Veterans report on any diagnostic studies conducted and provide insights into how the condition impacts their daily life.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of the C&P exam for plantar fasciitis is crucial for veterans seeking disability benefits. By familiarizing themselves with the DBQ and the specific sections related to their condition, veterans can better prepare for the examination. It’s essential to communicate openly and thoroughly about the history, symptoms, and functional impact of plantar fasciitis to ensure an accurate evaluation of the disability level. By doing so, veterans can increase the likelihood of receiving fair and deserved assessment for their plantar fasciitis.
Also read: OSA and Fibromyalgia in Veterans Disability
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
