To get a VA disability for flat feet, you will need to provide medical evidence that shows your condition is severe enough to impact your ability to work. This evidence can include X-rays, MRI scans, and medical reports from doctors or specialists.
You will also need to fill out a VA disability claim form, which can be found on the VA’s website. It is recommended that you work with a veterans service organization or a VA-accredited attorney to help you navigate the process and ensure your claim is complete and accurate.
Can You Get a VA Disability for Flat Feet?
Yes, it is possible to get a VA disability for flat feet, but it depends on the severity of your condition and how it impacts your ability to work. The VA uses a rating system to determine the degree of disability, with a rating of 10% or higher needed to qualify for disability benefits.
To be considered for a disability rating, you will need to provide medical evidence of your flat feet condition. This can include X-rays, MRI scans, and medical reports from doctors or specialists. You will also need to fill out a VA disability claim form, which can be found on the VA’s website.
It is important to note that the VA’s process for evaluating flat feet can be complex and it’s recommended that you work with a veterans service organization or a VA-accredited attorney to help you navigate the process and ensure your claim is complete and accurate.
Untreated flat feet can lead to other complications that may require bunion surgery and some minimally invasive hammertoe corrections. Besides, people affected with flat feet usually experience muscle and joint problems.
How Does the VA Rate Flat Feet?
The VA has a rating system for flat foot severity. This helps them understand the problem better and decide the disability program or benefits they can give the veterans.
Their formula observes the severity of the issue and how the feet respond to treatments. The ratings are:
- 50% – pronounced,
- 30% – severe,
- 20% – severe,
- 10% – moderate,
- 0% – mild.
50% Flat Feet Rating
A 50% flat feet rating is considered a pronounced case of the syndrome. The feet have prominent pronation (they collapse inward). This issue is accompanied by:
- Extreme pain on the bottom of the feet even when they’re not in use,
- A displaced Achilles tendon with tightness and spasms.
In this situation, orthopedic shoes can’t help. Patients can get a VA disability with a 50% rating in both feet or 30% in one.
30% and 20% Flat Feet Rating
A 30% and 20% rating means the problem is severe. The feet are deformed and show pronation or abduction (in this case, the foot collapses outward). Other issues include:
- Pain when touching and using the feet,
- Swelling,
- Callouses.
The issue is severe at a 30% rating in both feet or 20% in one.
10% Flat Feet Rating
A 10% severity rating for one or both feet means the issue is moderate. However, even that causes problems. Some complications include:
- Weight distributes more to the inside of the foot,
- A mild bow of the Achilles tendon,
- Pain from touching and using the feet.
How to Get VA Disability for Flat Feet – What Should You Provide
Veterans must provide medical evidence that military service aggravated their flat feet issues. This applies to those that experienced a worsening of a preexisting condition and those that can prove military service caused them to develop flat feet.
Every veteran must provide three things for consideration: medical evidence of the current problem, medical proof of the condition, and a connection between the service injury and disability.
Medical Diagnosis
Presenting an already diagnosed condition isn’t enough evidence to link your service with it. You also must provide documents stating your diagnosis and treatment for flat feet before the service. That includes medical record copies detailing symptoms, the treatment, and the results.
Current Symptoms
A doctor can determine if a foot disability affected a person during their military service by comparing it with a former condition. A VA disability application is valid only if a doctor can establish causation between the service and a patient’s current symptoms.
Can You Treat Flat Feet?
Flat feet can be treated with non-surgical methods and cosmetic surgery. Non-surgical includes wearing orthotics (custom-made or OTC,) physical therapy, pain medication, and foot braces.
Surgical procedures are used to cure flat feet only when the problem is so severe that no painkiller or other method helps.
Consult Your Surgeon if You Want to Surgically Treat Flat Feet
In case you end up needing flat feet surgery, look no further than Luxe Foot Surgery in Miami for that procedure. Our services are top-notch, and the doctors are medical professionals with years of experience. If you want a free consultation, fill out a form on our website, send us an email, or contact us via phone. Our office hours are on weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM.
