Calcaneal Spurs (Heel Spurs)

DC 5015Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5015

Bony growths on the underside of the calcaneus (heel bone), often associated with plantar fasciitis. Very common in military veterans from prolonged running, marching, and standing on hard surfaces. The VA rates calcaneal spurs by analogy as a benign bone growth based on limitation of motion or painful motion of the affected foot.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 5015

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5015. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have calcaneal spurs with significant limitation of foot function and documented incapacitating exacerbations. The heel pain causes pronounced difficulty with walking and standing, and you experience periodic flare-ups that severely limit your ability to bear weight.

What the VA looks for

Large calcaneal spurs documented on imaging
Significant limitation of foot function
Occasional incapacitating exacerbations documented
Pronounced difficulty with walking and prolonged standing
Treatment records showing flare-ups and activity modification

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting X-rays to document the heel spurs — imaging evidence is essential for a rating under DC 5015, as it requires X-ray confirmation of the bony growth.
⚠Not documenting how heel pain affects walking, standing, and daily activities — functional impairment in weight-bearing activities is critical for the rating.
⚠Not claiming both feet if spurs are present bilaterally — each foot should be rated separately and the ratings combined.
⚠Not considering a separate or additional rating for plantar fasciitis if it coexists — plantar fasciitis and heel spurs frequently occur together and may warrant separate evaluations under different codes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Foot Conditions (Other)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Calcaneal Spurs (Heel Spurs)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5015

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Large calcaneal spurs documented on imaging
Significant limitation of foot function
Occasional incapacitating exacerbations documented
Pronounced difficulty with walking and prolonged standing
Treatment records showing flare-ups and activity modification

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting X-rays to document the heel spurs — imaging evidence is essential for a rating under DC 5015, as it requires X-ray confirmation of the bony growth.

⚠Not documenting how heel pain affects walking, standing, and daily activities — functional impairment in weight-bearing activities is critical for the rating.

⚠Not claiming both feet if spurs are present bilaterally — each foot should be rated separately and the ratings combined.

⚠Not considering a separate or additional rating for plantar fasciitis if it coexists — plantar fasciitis and heel spurs frequently occur together and may warrant separate evaluations under different codes.