Plantar Fasciitis

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

Physical EligibleVETS Act 2026

Also known as: Heel / Foot PainPlantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot. It causes stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning. It is common among veterans due to prolonged marching, running, and standing in military boots. SoP 82 and 83 of 2023. Link condition to prolonged weight-bearing activities and specific combat footwear usage in your evidence.

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment ()Plantar fasciitis is on the PAMT list.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Heel / Foot Pain, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Running or jogging on hard surfaces for at least 20 kilometres per week for at least three months during service
Marching or walking while carrying loads of at least 25 kilograms for prolonged periods
Standing for prolonged periods (at least 6 hours per day) on hard surfaces for an extended time
Having an increase in weight-bearing physical activity during service that precipitated the condition
Being obese at the time of clinical onset

Reference: SoP No. 82 of 2023 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 83 of 2023 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that prolonged weight-bearing activities, marching on hard surfaces, or wearing military boots during service — with clinical onset within a relevant period — is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that plantar fasciitis was caused or materially contributed to by weight-bearing activities during service.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitisA diagnosis from your GP or podiatrist. Imaging (ultrasound) can confirm but is not always required for diagnosis.How to get it: See your GP or ask for a referral to a podiatrist.Estimated time: 1-3 weeks

Service records showing physical demands on feetDocumentation of marching, running, standing duties, and load carrying.How to get it: Request from Defence.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Medical nexus reportA report linking your plantar fasciitis to service activities.How to get it: Ask your GP or podiatrist.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your plantar fasciitis to service activities.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for plantar fasciitis. I marched and ran extensively during my service. Could you write a report?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe the physical demands on your feet during service, onset of symptoms, and current impact.

Suggested structure

Running and marching activities — distances and frequency
Standing duties — hours per day
Load carrying while on foot
Type of military footwear used
When foot pain started
Current impact

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not quantifying distances and hours
✗Not mentioning military boot issues

Treatments DVA may cover

Podiatry appointments
Custom orthotics and supportive footwear
Physiotherapy and stretching programs
Pain management
Shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections if indicated

Next steps to consider

Proceed to Permanent Impairment claim once stabilised
Claim the other foot if affected
Consider secondary conditions (knee, hip, back) caused by altered gait

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

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You do not need to have everything ready before you start. Use these tools to work through the process at your own pace.

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Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Plantar Fasciitis

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