VA Disability for Foot Conditions

0:00 Introduction
0:17 Common foot conditions related to military service
0:41 What does “loss of use” mean?
02:42 What are the elements of VA service connection?
04:59 Viewer Question: Do balance and stability issues count as loss of use?
07:16 Can you be service connected for multiple foot conditions at the same time?
09:03 C&P Exams for foot conditions (VA exams for service connection or for an increased rating)
12:59 What other types of evidence could you use to support a VA claim for a foot condition
16:58 What VA means by “functional loss”
18:23 Secondary service connection for a foot disability
22:02 Viewer Question: If you indicate an injury on your exit examination, but never got treatment, is that enough to start a claim for a foot or ankle condition?
24:50 What if you had a foot condition before starting your service?
26:10 VA ratings for foot disabilities
31:51 VA claims for foot conditions in the new Appeals Modernization system (AMA)
32:38 The Bilateral Factor in VA disability claims
35:27 Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Loss of Use
37:48 Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) / VA Unemployability for foot conditions
40:20 Common VA mistakes when adjudicating foot condition claims
42:58 Things to remember when working on your VA foot claim

READ the blog posts here:

[pattyburnett]

I have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and even have had left ankle surgery but I cry listening to this because I know I will never get such help either in these areas. 😢 I've given up hope. Pattie Louise Ross (Aug1987-1993 service dates). Thanks for igniting my depression today!!😩😩😟😢

[WomanMilitaryVeteran]

It would be fantastic if you could do an entire video focused on toe problems. That would be helpful!

[DikaMo]

Thank you guys!(all of you)..I LOVE listening to all your VA information..very informative and easy listening:)

[AlvaroAros]

If you had hammertoe surgery while in the service and was rated at 0% can you file a secondary claim for foot pain, .and what will you need to justify that claim

[charlesvickers]

Had a broken toe . The break has calcified and causing nerve damage that has effected the way I walk and is causing back problems. I've fallen several times due to it grabbing a nerve.

[NothingBtBlueskies]

What about nerve damage due to frostbite?

[makameli]

Alot of walking and running is in the military, especially the Army. I know I have foot problems, from countless miles of walking and running. I also have rashes on my feet from using the barracks showers. Is there any way to file a claim if you never went to sick call for foot problems, but you knew there was something wrong?

[allenbroomfield]

I was just awarded 30% for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, degenerative arthritis, and hallus limitus. I feel this rating is low. I have custom orthotics and still have to be prescribed topical pain and anti-inflammation creams. I'm thinking about doing a higher level review. Do you think it's worth my effort? With my current ratings, I'm at 93%. So close!

[Ghanaba]

During BMT in 2016, I hurt my ankle during an activity. I went to med, they took and X-Ray and I was told that it was swollen inside, so I should give it time, it will heal by itself. I still feel the pain now whenever I do an activity. do I qualify for anything

[pattyburnett]

23 years ago, I put in for back and knee pain disability. It was documented in my service records for being treated for it. I was still denied. Since I couldn't submit this evidence again, I saw pain doctors with pages of medical treatments, still denied. Since denied, I had to request physical therapy to make life tolerable for the pain. Now I am not able to stand or walk. Filed for PTSD, even though diagnosed on Persian gulf registry, still denied. Was even recommended in denial that I no longer should go to TRP (trauma recovery program) for treatment since I was denied. Nevertheless, I have been in the TRP program for almost 20 years. I've been trying since 1997. My VSO has even told me countless times that I wont ever get help and that it would be useless to file since I am a woman and didn't see combat even though I served in Operation Desert Shield. I had considered suicide many times concerning this, so this video is long overdue yet unrealistic for African American women seeking compensation in the south. I've from Mississippi.(Pattie Ross, Greenville MS) You're free to look at the countless denials I've received from the Jackson VA regional office and medical center.☹️☹️☹️

[samjones]

Can I claim pes planus and plantar fascia?

[downrange]

I have drop foot and severe pain in left foot, due to a back injury with surgery but numerous times telling the doctors at my C & P exam they always blow me off. And I’m starting to get the same problem on my right leg and foot. I have problems walking, sitting, & standing. I have knee issues filled the questionnaire of all my problems. And it’s a in service injury.

[robertdelao]

What if you enter the military with flat feet? And mep exam fail to noted .please advise

[tomnicodemus]

I have both knees replaced and they worked fine for many years. Now both feet are constantly burning.

[SingleKiid]

Your office helped me to get a higher %. So thanks. Now i have my arches dropped and painful bunion on left leg & foot need help for service connected case.

[lindastewart]

I got a waiver for flat feet to enlist. Now I have been treated after discharge for plantar facitis by the VA. Pain in heels after having received shots in heels.😊. Will this get me a Va rating??

[jessemonroy]

If you had moderate pes planus and mild hallux valgus when you first enlisted in your entry exam, and later on down the road you have foot issues that have gotten worse,  can you still file a claim for those issues?

[KnightsTime]

I had plantar fasciitis release with gastroc recession surgery on service connected foot problems.as a result of the surgery some nerves were damaged causing permanent nerve damage with lose of sensation and paralysis of 4th and 5th toes. Can’t stand or sit more than 15 minutes.

[MrDavidsuits]

I got toenail fungi, while in the service I know I went to the clinic for it but I can't find it in my records I have tried to cure the problem but it keeps coming back can this fall under a disability

[jbirchmusic]

I get 50% bi-lateral pes planus. Medically separated after botched foot reconstruction. No benefits when I was separated. Army claimed foot condition “a symptomatic pes planus” existed prior to service. Currently fighting it in the Army Board of Corrections. Is that something you can help with?