VA Disability Benefits for Foot Conditions

CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law

Disorders of the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot are a source of debilitating pain and discomfort for thousands of veterans. But with how confusing and complex it is to earn a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), many of these veterans end up wrongfully denied their benefits.

Key points in this article include:

• Certain foot conditions like flat feet, arthritis, and bunion deformity are significantly more common amongst veterans than civilians, likely due to the physical strain of military life.
• Foot conditions vary substantially in severity, with VA disability ratings for foot problems ranging from 0 percent to 100 percent, depending on specifics.
• Even if your foot condition is rated less than 100 percent, you may be able to earn compensation at the 100 percent rate by applying for total disability based on individual unemployability, or TDIU.

Why Are Veterans Prone to Foot Conditions?

Studies show that certain foot conditions are significantly more prevalent in veterans than in nonveterans in the United States. This is likely due to the physical intensity of life in the military, where the body’s joints and tendons can be worn down by overuse or injury.

Some facets of military service that could lead to foot conditions later in life include:

• Excessive marching, hiking, or jogging
• Hauling heavy loads over long distances
• Hard jumps, landings, or falls
• Combat injuries, especially to the feet, legs, or back
• Improper boot size
• Manual labor, like digging or construction
• Overcompensating for an injury by shifting weight to favor one side

What Common Foot Problems Qualify for VA Disability?

Some common conditions that can qualify a veteran for VA disability for feet problems include:

• Pes planus (flat feet)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Arthritis of the foot
• Hammer toe
• Foot drop
• Pes cavus (claw foot)
• Hallux rigidus
• Hallux valgus (bunion deformity)
• Metatarsalgia
• Achilles tendon conditions, such as tendonitis or tendon rupture
• Heel spurs (often rated under Metatarsalgia diagnostic code)
• Weak foot (DC 5277)
• Malunion or nonunion of tarsal/metatarsal bones (DC 5283)

If a veteran has any of the above conditions and can prove that it is somehow related to their military service, then they may be eligible for a VA rating for feet conditions and accompanying compensation.

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How Do I Prove that My Foot Problems Are Service Connected?

To earn a VA disability rating for foot conditions and receive monthly compensation, veterans must first prove to VA that their disorder is connected to their military service. There are several types of service connection, including direct, secondary, and presumptive.

Direct Service Connection for Foot Conditions

To establish direct service connection, a veteran’s claim must show:

• A current, diagnosed foot disability
• Evidence of an in-service event or injury that might have contributed to their condition
• A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and the current disability

If all three of the abovementioned elements are met, VA should award service connection for a foot condition and then assign a disability rating.

Secondary Service Connection for Foot Conditions

Secondary service connection represents another avenue of service connection for foot conditions. A secondary service-connected disability is one that is either aggravated or caused by an already service-connected condition.

For example:

• Say a veteran suffers a knee injury during their service. This knee injury eventually results in arthritis and chronic pain for the veteran, for which VA recognizes service connection and assigns the veteran a VA rating. The veteran goes on to alter their gait to account for this new pain.
• Years pass, and the veteran’s doctor eventually determines that the veteran’s altered gait has caused them to put too much extra pressure on their right foot, which has now developed hallux rigidus.
• Since this veteran’s service-connected knee condition went on to cause their foot condition, they would be eligible to file a claim for hallux rigidus secondary to knee arthritis and potentially earn compensation from VA.

It is important to note that secondary service connection for foot conditions can go both ways; if a veteran has a service-connected foot condition that causes or aggravates another condition, then that disability can be service-connected by linking it to their foot condition.

Aggravation of Preexisting Foot Conditions

If a veteran has a foot condition prior to entry into service and then service made it worse, they may also be able to get service connection based on aggravation. In such cases, the veteran must use medical documentation or expert testimony to demonstrate:

• That their preexisting condition became worse during their time in service; and
• That the worsening went beyond what would be expected from the condition’s natural course.

Any medical conditions a soldier has prior to enlistment should be documented during their initial military medical exam. If no such conditions are recorded, the presumption of soundness typically applies—making it more difficult for the veteran to qualify for service connection based on aggravation.

VA Presumptions for Foot Conditions

Some illnesses and medical conditions are automatically presumed to be connected to military service because they frequently occur in veterans who served in particular locations or during certain time periods. To qualify for VA disability benefits for these presumptive conditions, veterans generally only need to show that they were present in the designated area during the required timeframe.

While VA has no direct presumptions for any foot condition, one presumption that might be relevant is that of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nervous system that can cause tingling sensations, pain, or even impaired range of motion or movement in the limbs, including the feet. It is also one of the potential causes for foot drop to develop.

Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their military service and later went on to develop early-onset peripheral neuropathy within one year of exposure may qualify for presumptive service connection from VA. If a veteran also suffers from foot drop brought on by the early-onset peripheral neuropathy, they may be able to file a secondary claim for foot drop by linking it to their neuropathy diagnosis. (38 CFR 3.307(a)(6)(ii) and 38 CFR 3.309(e))

What Evidence Does VA Look for When Rating Foot Conditions?

VA may consider: service records, medical evidence, C&P exam results, lay evidence, post-service treatment records, surgical and postoperative evidence, and impact on employment.

1. Service Records

VA looks for:

• Documentation of in-service injuries or symptoms such as fractures, sprains, training injuries, or repetitive-use stress.
• Profiles, duty restrictions, or footwear accommodations (e.g., no running, orthotics issued).
• Deployment records showing prolonged ruck marching, airborne operations, or other high-impact activities.

These records help establish the in-service event or aggravation needed for service connection.

2. Medical Evidence

VA relies on medical documentation to determine both service connection and rating level:

1. Diagnoses and Imaging

• X-rays for hallux valgus, arthritis, pes planus alignment, or fractures.
• MRI or ultrasound for plantar fasciitis, tendon tears, or neuromas.
• Clinical measurements such as range of motion, valgus deviation, and arch height.

1. Treatment History

• Use of orthotics, braces, corticosteroid injections, night splints, or surgery.
• Frequency of flare-ups and response to treatment.
• Evidence of failed conservative treatment, which can support higher ratings in some conditions (e.g., plantar fasciitis under DC 5269).

1. Functional Loss

Under 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.10, 4.40, 4.45, and DeLuca v. Brown, VA considers:

• Pain on use
• Weakness or fatigability
• Disturbance of locomotion
• Impact on standing and walking endurance

This evidence can determine whether the condition is “moderate,” “moderately severe,” or “severe” under DC 5284.

3. Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examination Findings

VA will usually schedule a C&P exam to help verify and rate a foot condition claim.

The C&P examiner may evaluate:

• Pain on manipulation or use
• Degree of pronation or deformity
• Limitation of motion of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint
• Presence of swelling, callosities, or characteristic arch abnormalities
• Need for assistive devices (cane, brace, orthotics)

The exam often includes functional testing during repetitive motion and assessment of whether symptoms are supported by objective findings. Courts have held that VA must evaluate the veteran’s symptoms during flare-ups whenever feasible (Sharp v. Shulkin).

4. Lay Evidence

Veterans provide credible observations about:

• Severity and frequency of pain
• Impact on work tasks requiring standing or walking
• Difficulty performing daily activities such as climbing stairs or carrying objects
• Observed gait abnormalities, limping, or instability

Lay reports are competent to describe observable symptoms (Jandreau v. Nicholson). When consistent with medical evidence, they can support higher ratings.

5. Post-Service Treatment Records

VA considers:

• Podiatry visits
• Physical therapy
• Orthopedic consultations
• Records showing progression, recurrence, postoperative limitations, or chronic pain

These records help VA determine current severity, which controls the rating.

6. Surgical and Postoperative Evidence

For veterans who undergo bunionectomy, plantar fasciotomy, or reconstructive surgery, VA looks at:

• Surgical notes
• Residuals such as scarring, altered gait, nerve pain, or loss of motion
• Need for revision surgery
• Whether the foot is functionally equivalent to amputation (relevant for maximum ratings and SMC eligibility)

7. Impact on Employment

Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16, VA considers evidence showing:

• Reduced productivity due to standing or walking limits
• Absenteeism from flare-ups
• Inability to perform jobs requiring prolonged weight-bearing

This information may support entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) where the disability significantly limits occupational functioning.

Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examinations for Foot Conditions

More often than not, VA is going to order a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination to determine the severity of a veteran’s foot condition, as well as explore whether it is indeed service connected.

A C&P exam for VA disability for foot problems could look like the following:

• The VA examiner will first likely perform a physical exam to confirm the veteran’s foot condition. This may be as simple as the examiner studying the veteran’s foot for clear symptomology or could involve tests to determine the veteran’s ability to walk or the flexibility of their foot.
• Next, the examiner may ask the veteran a series of questions aimed at understanding how the foot condition affects various aspects of their life. This could include its impact on day-to-day activities, ability to work, and overall quality of life. The examiner might also inquire about incidents during military service that could have caused or aggravated the condition, along with any past treatments the veteran has received.
• If necessary, the VA examiner may even order medical tests to verify the veteran’s condition. This could include X-rays, CT scans, or other tests.
• During the C&P exam, the VA examiner will also judge the severity of the veteran’s condition. If service connection is granted, VA adjudicators will then assign a disability rating consistent with the examiner’s findings.

Following the examination, the VA examiner will issue either a favorable opinion that supports service connection or an unfavorable opinion that does not. It is important for veterans to ask for a copy of the C&P examination. VA is required to give veterans a copy upon request, but will otherwise not provide one.

If a veteran disagrees with the VA examiner’s opinion regarding service connection, they can obtain an opinion from a private physician or treating doctor outside of VA and argue against the original examiner’s conclusions.

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How VA Rates Foot Conditions

VA rates foot conditions according to 38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System. Within this section, there are several specific diagnostic codes pertaining to some of the most prominent foot conditions.

If a veteran has a diagnosed foot condition that is mentioned under one of the following codes, VA will compare their symptoms to the rating criteria in that code and assign an evaluation based on that.

VA also provides an additional diagnostic code (i.e., DC 5284) that serves as a catch-all for other foot injuries. Namely, if a veteran has a foot condition that is not listed under any of the below codes below, they can ask for a rating under 5284.

Importantly, a veteran with multiple diagnosed foot conditions (e.g., pes planus and plantar fasciitis) might only receive one rating under one diagnostic code if some of the symptoms of one diagnosis overlap with symptoms of the other.

In other words, pyramiding—the VA term for rating the same disability, or the same symptom of a disability, twice—is not allowed. This prevents veterans from being compensated for the same symptom twice. However, if the diagnosed foot conditions manifest in different ways, it is possible they will be rated separately.

VA Disability Rating for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition of the foot. Kevin Medeiros, a Reviewing Attorney at CCK Law, explains the mechanisms behind the condition: “The plantar fascia is a thick band tissue running across the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes. This tissue is a shock absorber of sorts and supports the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when that thick band of tissue becomes inflamed. This can happen when tissues are overstretched, and tears form.”

Plantar fasciitis is rated under Diagnostic Code 5269, using the following criteria:

• 40 percent – If there is actual loss of use of the foot
• 30 percent – No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, bilateral
• 20 percent – No relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment, unilateral
• 10 percent – Otherwise, unilateral or bilateral

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VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet

Pes planus, also known as flat feet, is a foot condition that many veterans suffer from. Christian McTarnaghan, a Partner at CCK Law, describes the condition as: “A common foot deformity in which the arch of the foot is flattened to the point it touches or nearly touches the ground. This occurs when the ligaments and tendons from the lower leg and foot do not properly pull the bottom of the foot into an arch, resulting in flat feet.”

Generally, VA rates the severity of flat feet under four categories: Pronounced, Severe, Moderate, or Mild. A veteran’s flat foot rating will also be affected by whether one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) of their feet suffer from the condition.

Flat foot is rated under Diagnostic Code 5276, and the criteria are as follows:

Pronounced – Marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement, and severe spasm of the tendo Achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances

• 50 percent – If symptoms are pronounced in both feet (bilateral)
• 30 percent – If symptoms are pronounced in one foot (unilateral)

• Severe – Objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities
  • 30 percent – If symptoms are Severe in both feet (bilateral)
  • 20 percent – If symptoms are Severe in one foot (unilateral)
• Moderate – Weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the tendo Achillis, pain on manipulation and use of the feet
  • 10 percent – Whether bilateral or unilateral
• Mild – Symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support
  • 0 percent – Whether bilateral or unilateral

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VA Disability Ratings for Foot Drop

Foot drop, sometimes called dropped foot, is a condition where lifting the front portion of the foot becomes difficult or even impossible. This often leads to the foot dragging while walking, making movement awkward or unsafe.

This condition is commonly linked to muscle weakness around the ankle or damage to the nerves that connect the brain and leg. When these nerve signals are disrupted or impaired, the muscles responsible for lifting the foot do not receive proper instructions, making normal walking difficult.

Foot drop is typically rated under Diagnostic Code 8520, which covers paralysis of the sciatic nerve. However, depending on the specifics of a veteran’s foot drop, it can also be rated under codes 8521, 8524, or 8525.

The rating criteria for foot drop under code 8520 are as follows:

• 80 percent — Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The foot dangles and drops; no active movement is possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of the knee is weakened or (very rarely) lost
• 60 percent — Severe paralysis of the sciatic nerve, with marked muscular atrophy
• 40 percent — Moderately severe paralysis of the sciatic nerve
• 20 percent — Moderate paralysis of the sciatic nerve
• 10 percent — Mild paralysis of the sciatic nerve

If the veteran is being rated under codes 8521, 8524, or 8525, however, then they could receive a rating from 10 to 40 percent, depending on symptom severity.

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VA Disability Rating for Hammer Toe and Mallet Toe

Hammer toe or hammertoe is a condition that occurs when a toe—usually the second toe—is bent downward at the middle joint, which can cause it to appear like a hammer.

Mallet toe is similar to hammer toe, except that the toe is bent downward at the end joint instead of the middle joint.

Either of these conditions can be caused by imbalances in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that surround the toe and are usually responsible for holding it straight. They can also cause corns and calluses because the affected toe can rub against the inside of the shoes.

These conditions are rated under Diagnostic Code 5282, and the criteria are as follows:

• 10 percent – All toes, unilateral without claw foot
• 0 percent – Single toes

VA Disability Rating for Claw Foot

Pes cavus, or claw foot, is a condition that occurs when the toes become bent into a claw-like shape. It is like hammer toe and mallet toe but usually affects multiple toes and joints at once. It can also cause corns or calluses to form on the top of the toes or under the ball of the foot.

Like many foot conditions, claw foot VA ratings can vary whether the condition is Bilateral or Unilateral.

Claw foot is rated under Diagnostic Code 5278, using the following criteria:

• Marked contraction of plantar fascia with dropped forefoot, all toes hammer toes, very painful callosities, marked varus deformity
  • 50 percent – If symptoms affect both feet (bilateral)
  • 30 percent – If symptoms affect one foot (unilateral)
• All toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at the ankle to a right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads
  • 30 percent – If symptoms affect both feet (bilateral)
  • 20 percent – If symptoms affect one foot (unilateral)
• Great toe dorsiflexed, some limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle, definite tenderness under metatarsal heads
  • 10 percent – Whether bilateral or unilateral
• Slight symptoms
  • 0 percent – Whether bilateral or unilateral

VA Disability Rating for Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a condition where the joint at the base of the big toe experiences pain and stiffness. Over time, this can make it harder to bend the toe. Certain physical activities, as well as cold weather, can cause the pain, stiffness, and swelling to increase. This condition is known to be a form of degenerative arthritis.

VA rates hallux rigidus under Diagnostic Code 5281, which uses the same criteria as hallux valgus. Those criteria are as follows:

• 10 percent – Operated with resection of metatarsal head
• 10 percent – Severe, if equivalent to amputation of great toe

Notably, VA only rates this condition as unilateral. There are no alternative criteria if both feet are affected.

VA Disability Rating for Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus, more commonly referred to as bunions, can form on the outside of the big toe. Typically, bunions are formed by recurring pressure on the big toe joint. When the toe joint becomes out of alignment, a bump can form.

VA rates hallux valgus under Diagnostic Code 5280. The criteria are the same as for hallux rigidus:

• 10 percent – Operated with resection of metatarsal head
• 10 percent – Severe, if equivalent to amputation of great toe

Similarly to hallux rigidus, VA only rates hallux valgus as unilateral.

VA Disability Rating for Arthritis of the Feet

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Arthritis of the foot or ankle is a condition characterized by inflammation in the joints of the foot, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and impaired range of motion.

There are two main types of arthritis that VA assigns ratings for: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is often caused by simple wear and tear on the body’s tendons and ligaments over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder that more actively damages the joints.

Depending on the severity and type of arthritis that affects the veteran’s foot, they could be rated under several different diagnostic codes, including 5002, 5003, 5270, and 5271.

Rheumatoid arthritis provides the potential for the highest ratings from VA. The criteria for rheumatoid arthritis fall under Diagnostic Code 5002, and are as follows:

• 100 percent – With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating
• 60 percent – Less than criteria for 100 percent, but with weight loss and anemia productive of severe impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations occurring 4 or more times a year or a lesser number over prolonged periods
• 40 percent – Symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of healt,h objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring 3 or more times a year
• 20 percent – One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis

If a veteran does not have rheumatoid arthritis, then they will likely be rated under Diagnostic Codes 5270 or 5271, which cover ankylosis and limited motion of the ankle, respectively. The criteria for both of these conditions are as follows:

• Ankylosis of ankle (DC 5270):
  • 40 percent – In plantar flexion at more than 40°, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10° or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity
  • 30 percent – In plantar flexion, between 30° and 40°, or in dorsiflexion, between 0° and 10°
  • 20 percent – In plantar flexion, less than 30°
• Limited motion of ankle (DC 5271):
  • 20 percent – Marked (less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion)
  • 10 percent – Moderate (less than 15 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 30 degrees plantar flexion)

Under specific circumstances, a veteran’s arthritis of the foot may also be rated under Diagnostic Code 5003, covering degenerative arthritis. The criteria for this code are as follows:

• 20 percent – With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations
• 10 percent – With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups

VA Disability Rating for Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a condition categorized by inflammation and pain in the ball of a veteran’s foot. Activities common in service, such as running and jumping, can cause the condition and exacerbate the symptoms. Wearing shoes that may be too tight or too loose may also cause the condition.

Metatarsalgia is often related to Morton’s disease or Morton’s neuroma, which is a condition that causes the thickening of nerves at the front of the foot, leading to similar levels of pain and inflammation.

Metatarsalgia and Morton’s disease are both rated under Diagnostic Code 5279, the criteria of which are as follows:

• 10 percent – Anterior, bilateral, or unilateral

VA Disability Rating for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails, or onychocryptosis, is a condition where a nail grows into the flesh and nail bed, cutting into parts of the foot and causing pain, sensitivity to pressure, and potentially even infection. This condition often occurs on the big toes of the feet and can develop due to footwear that is too tight or improper cutting of the nails.

VA has no specific diagnostic code for this condition, so veterans seeking a VA disability rating for ingrown toenails will have to get it rated under an analogous diagnostic code.

Depending on the specific symptoms of a veteran’s ingrown toenails, VA will likely rate them under Diagnostic Codes 7800-7805, or under Diagnostic Codes 7819 or 7820. These codes generally cover conditions of the skin, including burns, scars, benign neoplasms, and infections.

While these diagnostic codes provide the potential for higher ratings, it is more likely that the veteran will be assigned a 0 or 10 percent VA disability rating for ingrown toenails, due to the relative ease by which the condition is treated.

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VA Disability Ratings for Other Foot Conditions

As mentioned above, if a veteran has a foot condition that is not covered by any other diagnostic code, then they may still be able to file a claim under Diagnostic Code 5284, which handles any other injuries to the foot.

Under this code, conditions will be rated as follows:

• 40 percent – With actual loss of use of the foot
• 30 percent – Severe
• 20 percent – Moderately severe
• 10 percent – Moderate

Bilateral Factor and Rating Foot Conditions

Bilateral disabilities are recognized by VA as severely limiting to a veteran’s ability to function and thus warrant a higher rating percentage.

As Alyse Phillips, a Supervising Attorney at CCK Law, explains: “The bilateral factor is essentially that because you have two conditions that are compensable in both of your lower extremities—or both upper extremities—you can get an extra 10 percent onto your rating. It’s VA recognizing that when you have a condition affecting both sides, they’re giving you a little bit of a bump for that.”

However, it is important to note that the additional 10 percent the veteran gains from this is added into the equation of VA math as if they have a separate condition rated at 10 percent. In other words, if their combined disability rating is 50 percent, it does not simply increase to 60 percent.

In regard to foot conditions, the bilateral factor does not only apply when both feet are affected. Rather, a veteran can have one foot condition and one knee condition qualify for the bilateral factor as long as both the right and left side of the body are affected.

What Is the VA Compensation for Foot Conditions?

A higher VA rating for foot conditions will result in greater compensation for the veteran.

As of 2026, the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:

• 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
• 10 percent disability rating: $180.42 per month
• 20 percent disability rating: $356.66 per month
• 30 percent disability rating: $552.47 per month
• 40 percent disability rating: $795.84 per month
• 50 percent disability rating: $1,132.90 per month
• 60 percent disability rating: $1,435.02 per month
• 70 percent disability rating: $1,808.45 per month
• 80 percent disability rating: $2,102.15 per month
• 90 percent disability rating: $2,362.30 per month
• 100 percent disability rating: $3,938.58 per month

Veterans with eligible dependents—like a spouse or children—may also qualify for additional monthly compensation, which can raise their overall payment rate.

Can I Get Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Foot Conditions?

In certain situations, a veteran’s foot condition may be linked to a more significant injury or health issue. If their symptoms are particularly severe, VA might award extra compensation through Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) to reflect the greater level of impairment.

SMC is provided by VA for veterans facing serious disabilities or complex medical conditions. It offers increased monthly payments to help cover needs that standard disability compensation may not fully address.

A separate pathway to earning SMC for foot conditions is through “loss of use.” According to VA, loss of use is held to exist when a part of the body would function equally as well as an amputation with the use of a suitable prosthesis; however, amputation is not required to experience loss of use. Determinations of loss of use are based on the actual remaining function of the upper or lower extremities (e.g., hand or foot).

Regarding loss of use as it pertains to foot conditions, VA considers acts of balance, propulsion, etc. If VA determines a veteran experiences loss of use of one or both feet, they may be eligible for SMC.

Can I Get Total Disability for My Foot Condition?

If you do not have a 100 percent combined disability rating, but you are unable to work because of your foot condition, you may be entitled to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

If you are granted TDIU, VA will compensate you at the 100 percent level, even if your combined disability rating is less than 100 percent.

Veterans can qualify for TDIU in two primary ways:

• Schedular TDIU – This route is available to veterans who meet certain disability rating requirements:
  1. A single service-connected condition rated at 60 percent or higher, or
  2. A combined rating of 70 percent or more, including at least one condition rated at 40 percent or higher.
• Extraschedular TDIU – Even if a veteran does not meet the standard rating thresholds to qualify for TDIU, they may still be eligible under “extraschedular” criteria. In these cases, VA’s Director of Compensation Services reviews whether the veteran’s service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, regardless of their percentage ratings.

Applying for TDIU can be a complicated process, so it is often beneficial to seek guidance from a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent. Reach out to CCK Law for a free case evaluation.

Was Your VA Disability Claim for Foot Problems Denied?

If the VA disability claim for your foot condition was denied or underrated, then the accredited team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help. Our team has decades of experience successfully representing veterans before VA and has recovered over $1 billion in compensation on wrongfully denied claims.

For a free case evaluation, call us at (800) 544-9144 or contact us online.