What should be checked before relying on a WPI figure?
Check maximum medical improvement, the body area, objective findings, the NSW Guideline chapter and any NSW modification before relying on a percentage.
Can this page calculate your percentage?
No. WPI depends on an assessor, maximum medical improvement, objective findings and the NSW Guidelines. This page is general information only.
Permanent impairment assessment
How permanent impairment is assessed for Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
NSW has a specific plantar fasciitis row. It is narrow: persistent symptoms and clinical findings after 18 months are rated at 1% WPI. A short-term painful heel complaint or footwear issue does not automatically fit that row.
What injuries can happen to this body part?
- Plantar fascia pain related to prolonged standing, walking or load
- Heel pain where other causes such as fracture, nerve symptoms, Achilles problems or arthritis need exclusion
- Persistent symptoms after treatment and work-duty modification
Symptoms and findings that matter
- Whether symptoms and clinical findings persist after 18 months
- Whether the diagnosis is plantar fasciitis rather than another heel/foot condition
- Treatment history, footwear, orthotics and standing/walking demands
- Whether any other foot or nerve method is actually the specific impairment
What investigations are usually relevant?
- Treating specialist report and final impairment assessment at maximum medical improvement
- Imaging, pathology, audiology, ophthalmology, respiratory, nerve or functional testing that fits the body system
- Operative reports, discharge summaries, rehabilitation records and objective clinical measurements where relevant
How WPI is assessed for this body part
- NSW has a specific plantar fasciitis row. It is narrow: persistent symptoms and clinical findings after 18 months are rated at 1% WPI. A short-term painful heel complaint or footwear issue does not automatically fit that row.
- Assessment source: NSW Guidelines Chapter 3 plantar fasciitis note: persistent symptoms and clinical findings after 18 months are 2% lower extremity impairment, equivalent to 1% WPI.
- The assessor should explain maximum medical improvement, the body-system chapter, the method selected, any NSW modification, and why the objective findings fit that method.
How movement affects the assessment
- Plantar fasciitis usually affects standing and walking tolerance rather than a joint ROM row.
- Functional restriction should be documented, but the exact NSW WPI row still depends on persistent clinical findings after the required period.
NSW foot and ankle specific rows
Tibia-os calcis angle 110 to 100 degrees5% WPI (12% lower extremity impairment; 17% foot impairment) under NSW Table 3.4.
Tibia-os calcis angle 99 to 90 degrees8% WPI (20% lower extremity impairment; 28% foot impairment) under NSW Table 3.4.
Tibia-os calcis angle below 90 degreesAdd 1% WPI (2% lower extremity impairment; 3% foot impairment) per degree, up to 15% WPI (37% lower extremity impairment; 54% foot impairment).
Persistent plantar fasciitisPersistent symptoms and clinical findings after 18 months are rated at 1% WPI (2% lower extremity impairment).
NSW lower limb global rules
Most specific method firstUse the method that most specifically addresses the lower limb impairment where possible, rather than a broad fallback label.
Highest valid assessmentWhere more than one valid lower limb method applies, the NSW Guidelines generally require the assessment that gives the highest valid rating, unless a specific rule prevents it.
Do not exceed amputation valueA lower limb part or region cannot exceed the applicable amputation value. The whole lower limb maximum is 40% WPI, except where a specific gait table gives WPI directly.
Gait derangement is last resortGait derangement should be used only as a last resort and cannot be combined with other lower extremity assessment methods.
Permanent walking aid onlyIf a walking aid is relied on, the evidence should show permanent use, not a temporary aid during treatment or recovery.
ROM reliabilityROM can be unreliable where effort, pain behaviour or inconsistency affects measurement. The opposite side should be compared where relevant.
Arthritis needs imagingArthritis/cartilage loss must be radiologically assessed. Pain, crepitus or a broad MRI comment is not enough by itself.
Practical WPI examples
- Persistent plantar fasciitis after 18 months has a verified NSW value of 1% WPI where the clinical criteria fit.
- Heel pain from a calcaneal fracture, nerve irritation or Achilles problem may need a different assessment path.
Evidence checklist
- A clear diagnosis and the body area being assessed
- Records showing the condition has reached maximum medical improvement, if that is the issue
- Specialist reports, imaging reports and treating notes relied on by the assessor
- Objective findings on examination, not only symptoms described by the injured person
- A work and treatment chronology explaining the injury, treatment, surgery and recovery path
- Any previous injury, degeneration, congenital issue or non-work cause that needs apportionment considered
- GP and podiatry notes
- Physiotherapy records
- Orthotic/footwear evidence
- Work duties involving prolonged standing or walking
- Imaging if another heel diagnosis is suspected
What usually does not increase WPI
- Assuming a scan result automatically gives a WPI percentage
- Confusing pain, disability or inability to work with permanent impairment
- Ignoring maximum medical improvement before arranging an assessment
- Using an AMA5 table without checking whether the NSW Guidelines modify or replace it
- Double counting the same impairment through two methods when the Guidelines require one method
- Applying the plantar fasciitis row before 18 months
- Using plantar fasciitis as a label for all heel pain
- Ignoring other foot or nerve diagnoses
Assessment source
Assessment source: Assessment source: NSW Guidelines Chapter 3 plantar fasciitis note: persistent symptoms and clinical findings after 18 months are 2% lower extremity impairment, equivalent to 1% WPI.
This section is source-backed general information. It is not a WPI assessment and is not legal advice.
- SIRA NSW Workers Compensation Guidelines for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment: Source for the NSW assessment framework, MMI, AMA5 adoption, NSW modifications and exclusions.
- SIRA lower extremity chapter: Source for NSW lower extremity assessment rules, gait derangement limits and NSW-modified lower limb tables.
Related injury and claim pages
Need a practical claim check?
If an impairment percentage, medical assessment or insurer decision is affecting your NSW injury claim, send the decision or report for a practical review. This is general information only and does not guarantee any result.
Request a free claim checkAssessment scope for Plantar Fasciitis WPI Assessment
The assessment scope for Plantar Fasciitis WPI Assessment should be stated precisely before any percentage is considered. The file should identify whether that label describes the primary diagnosed condition, a symptom of another injury, a regional overview or one component of a broader impairment. Findings from another body area or diagnosis should not be transferred without explanation. The report should connect the stated condition to the correct NSW Guideline chapter, objective findings, treatment history and any permitted combination or apportionment method. This distinction is particularly important where similar page labels cover different clinical questions.
- Confirm the diagnosis and body area being assessed as Plantar Fasciitis
- Separate condition-specific findings from overlapping symptoms or injuries in another body area
- Check that the selected NSW Guideline chapter and method match the condition actually assessed
- Explain any combination, apportionment or exclusion rather than relying on the page label alone
Start with maximum medical improvement
Permanent impairment should generally be assessed when the condition is stable and unlikely to change substantially in the next year. Treatment, surgery and rehabilitation history may affect whether the timing is appropriate.
Use the NSW Guidelines first
The NSW Guidelines adopt AMA5 in many areas, but NSW modifications prevail. Do not assume an AMA5 table applies without checking the NSW chapter and any public SIRA clarification.
Keep the assessment practical
A useful assessment file separates diagnosis, objective findings, surgery history, work capacity issues, apportionment questions and the body-area method used by the assessor.
Ask about an impairment issueDocuments and records
Injury evidence to organise early
The useful records depend on how the injury happened, when symptoms were recorded and how treatment or work capacity changed.
- Date, location and short description of the injury event
- Medical certificates, reports, scans, treatment records or hospital documents
- Employer, insurer, police, incident or venue records where relevant
- Photos, witness details, dashcam or other supporting material if available
- Income, superannuation, work capacity or leave records where relevant
- Letters, emails, claim numbers and decisions already received
Common questions
Injury evidence questions
Short general answers only. The right next step depends on the facts, dates and documents.
Is WPI the same as being unable to work?
No. WPI is a medical impairment measure. Work capacity, weekly payments, damages, treatment disputes and TPD issues are separate questions, although the evidence may overlap.
Does pain alone create a WPI percentage?
Not by itself. NSW workers compensation excludes AMA5 Chapter 18 on pain. Chronic pain is assessed through the underlying diagnosed condition where the Guidelines permit it.
Can secondary psychological symptoms be added to physical WPI?
In NSW workers compensation, secondary psychiatric or psychological impairment is not assessed as permanent impairment. Primary psychological impairment is assessed separately and is not combined with physical WPI.
Injury pathway enquiry
Not sure which claim type matches the injury?
Start with how the injury happened, what medical records exist and how work or daily activity has changed. The same injury can sit in different pathways.