What Foot Problems Qualify for VA Disability? 

Foot pain is frequently experienced by veterans due to the physically demanding nature of military activities. Soldiers participate in rigorous tasks like marching, carrying heavy loads, and repetitive jumping, often while also wearing ill-fitting boots assigned to them during training or service. This puts significant stress on the feet, leading to injuries or chronic foot issues. Unfortunately, such problems don’t always resolve after leaving military service and can continue causing discomfort or disability long-term.  

Chronic foot pain can interfere with everyday activities like walking, standing, and working, reducing a veteran’s overall quality of life. If you have ongoing foot pain linked directly to your military service, you might qualify for VA disability compensation to assist with managing your condition.

How to Get a VA Rating for a Foot Condition 

The VA assigns disability ratings based on how much your foot pain limits your daily life and physical activities. Ratings for foot conditions can reach as high as 40%, depending on the extent of functional loss and the intensity of pain you’re experiencing. 

Additionally, if both of your feet have issues, the VA applies what’s called the bilateral factor. This factor can boost your overall disability percentage due to impairment in both feet, rather than just one. 

If you have more than one foot-related disability, the VA may consider them together and assign a combined rating, possibly leading to a higher disability rating than if each condition was rated individually.  

Filing a Claim 

To obtain a VA rating for foot pain, you must submit a disability claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This claim is your way of officially requesting compensation based on how your military service caused or worsened your foot condition. To make sure your claim is successful, you’ll need documentation that helps the VA understand exactly how your foot pain started or was aggravated by your service. 

Filing a claim typically begins online, by mail, or through a VA-accredited representative. Once submitted, a VA claims processor reviews the information you provided and makes a decision about your eligibility for compensation. 

What You’ll Need to Obtain a Rating 

Having the right evidence is key to ensuring your claim for foot pain is approved and the rating is correct. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential documents and evidence to gather. 

Providing comprehensive documentation helps the VA see the connection between your military service and current foot pain, increasing your chances for an accurate and fair disability rating. 

Service Connection 

• Service medical records: You need official medical documents from your military service showing that you received treatment or medical attention for foot pain, injuries, or symptoms while on active duty. These records should indicate the precise time, nature, and extent of any treatment you received. 
• Current medical diagnosis: Obtain a recent medical report from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist, orthopedist, or primary care doctor. The diagnosis should explicitly identify your current foot condition (whether plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flatfoot, or other specific foot conditions) and detail how severe the condition is now. 
• Nexus letter: A nexus letter is an important medical opinion from your doctor that clearly explains the direct connection between your current foot pain and your military service. The letter must include an explicit statement from your doctor confirming their professional belief that your condition is “at least as likely as not” connected to your military duties or experiences. 
• Imaging tests: Provide diagnostic imaging results like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans showing objective proof of foot problems such as arthritis, heel spurs, fractures, or other structural issues causing your foot pain. 
• Buddy statements: Include written statements from fellow service members who personally observed your foot injury, witnessed the development of your symptoms, or recall the impact foot pain had on your military duties. These statements help confirm events or injuries when service medical records might be incomplete or lacking detailed descriptions. 
• Gait assessments: A gait assessment from your doctor or physical therapist evaluates how your foot pain affects your ability to move around, stand, or perform daily activities. This evidence shows the VA how significantly your foot condition impacts your overall physical function.   

To qualify for VA disability compensation for foot pain, establishing a clear service connection is crucial. This means proving that your foot problems can be attributed to your military service in one of several specific ways. 

Direct Service Connection 

The most straightforward path is showing that your foot pain or injury first started during your time in the military. This could be due to specific incidents, like an injury sustained during training, or gradually developed from repetitive military activities such as marching, jumping, or carrying heavy loads. Service medical records documenting these events significantly help your claim by providing direct evidence of initial treatment or diagnosis during active duty. 

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions 

Some veterans enter military service already having foot issues such as asymptomatic pes planus (flat feet). If this applies to you, it doesn’t automatically disqualify your claim. You can still receive VA compensation if your military service significantly worsened your existing foot condition. To qualify under this category, your medical records need to show that your condition became noticeably more severe due to your military activities, beyond what would typically happen with normal aging or everyday life outside the military. 

Secondary Service Connection 

Another path to receiving disability compensation is through secondary service connection. This happens when your foot pain develops because of another medical condition already recognized by the VA as service-connected.  

For example, if a service-connected knee injury leads you to shift your weight to one side while walking, it can result in foot pain or conditions such as plantar fasciitis or arthritis in your foot. You’ll need a doctor’s detailed medical opinion, also called a nexus letter, explaining how your current foot problems are directly caused by another established service-connected disability. 

Carefully documenting these connections using medical records, imaging, and professional evaluations will greatly improve your chances of receiving an accurate VA disability rating for your foot pain. 

What Can Cause Foot Problems in Veterans? 

Veterans often develop foot pain because military duties frequently require intense and repetitive physical activity that can stress the feet. While serving, veterans commonly face tasks that strain their feet repeatedly, causing short-term injuries and long-term problems. Here are some of the main activities that can lead to foot pain and injuries during military service: 

• Jumping and Landing: Repeated jumps from vehicles, aircraft, or during intense training exercises can place immense stress on your feet, especially if you land improperly. These repeated impacts can result in injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, or chronic pain conditions like plantar fasciitis. 
• Extended Walking and Marching: Veterans frequently endure long hours of walking or marching during training and deployment. Continuous pressure from prolonged standing and walking can lead to issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or stress fractures. Over time, this repeated strain significantly increases the risk of chronic foot conditions. 
• Long-Distance Running: Military training often involves running for extended distances. Regular running, particularly on hard or uneven surfaces, can put considerable stress on your feet, resulting in conditions like shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, or foot fractures. These issues, if left untreated or aggravated, can develop into lasting foot pain. 
• Carrying Heavy Loads: Veterans routinely carry heavy backpacks or equipment (rucksacks) during training exercises and missions. The additional weight from this gear places increased pressure on your feet, changing your gait and posture. Over time, this can lead to foot conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. 
• Overcompensating from Injuries: If a veteran has an injury in one leg or foot, they might start relying heavily on the opposite side to ease their discomfort. This overcompensation can alter their natural walking pattern and posture, placing uneven stress on the healthier foot. As a result, the initially unaffected foot may develop chronic pain or additional problems due to continuous imbalance and increased workload.    

VA Ratings for Foot Injuries 

When foot pain results from an injury sustained during military service, the VA rates it using specific diagnostic codes. Foot injuries that don’t neatly fit into other foot condition codes are rated from 10% to 40% (depend on the severity and impact on a veteran’s daily life and activities), under Diagnostic Code 5284. This code serves as a general or “catch-all” category for various types of foot conditions causing chronic pain and functional problems. 

• Moderate foot injury – rated at 10%
• Moderately severe foot injury – rated at 20%
• Severe foot injury – rated at 30%
• Loss of use of the foot – rated at 40%  

The highest rating (40%) is assigned if your foot condition is so debilitating that you’ve essentially lost all practical use of your foot. This includes an inability to bear weight, walk, or stand without significant help or assistive equipment.

To receive a VA rating under Diagnostic Code 5284, you need documentation detailing your specific injury, ongoing symptoms, and any lasting physical restrictions. Evidence of constant or recurring pain, especially when standing, walking, or bearing weight, can significantly strengthen your claim and potentially lead to a higher rating. 

Additionally, foot injuries might also qualify for separate ratings under other diagnostic codes, such as those for arthritis, nerve damage, or specific deformities. These separate ratings can be combined with your overall foot injury rating, potentially increasing your total VA disability percentage. 

How to Get Rated for Foot Injuries 

When seeking a VA disability rating specifically for foot injuries, it’s important to clearly document your condition and how it affects your daily life. The VA looks closely at the evidence to determine how severely your foot injury impacts your ability to function normally. Here’s how you can clearly demonstrate the extent of your foot injury to ensure an accurate rating: 

• Document the Specific Injury and Residual Symptoms: Clearly describe your initial injury in detail, including how, when, and where it occurred during your military service. Explain all ongoing symptoms you currently experience, such as constant or recurring foot pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness, or limited motion. 
• Show Functional Limitations: Provide examples and medical documentation detailing how your foot injury limits your daily activities. Include information about difficulties with tasks such as standing for long periods, walking distances, running, climbing stairs, or carrying heavy objects. Clearly demonstrating these limitations helps the VA understand the severity of your condition. 
• Provide a Medical Opinion on Severity Level: Obtain a detailed medical opinion from your healthcare provider describing the severity of your foot injury. This medical statement should clearly explain how severe the condition is, specify the impact on your everyday function, and outline any recommended treatments or limitations necessary because of your condition. 
• Highlight Constant or Severe Pain: If your foot pain is constant, intense, or significantly worsens with daily activities like walking or standing, ensure your medical records clearly note this. Constant or frequent severe pain often leads to a higher VA disability rating, as it heavily impacts your quality of life. 
• Document Restricted Movement: Highlight any movement restrictions you have, including difficulty moving toes, ankles, or other joints in your foot. Medical examinations, physical therapy assessments, or gait evaluations that show limited movement or impaired mobility provide strong support for your claim.  

Specific Foot Conditions You Can Claim for VA Disability 

There are multiple specific foot conditions related to military service that veterans can claim for VA disability compensation. Each condition has its own diagnostic code and set of requirements for documentation and evidence. Understanding these conditions helps you explain your foot pain when filing a claim.

Arthritis in the Feet – Diagnostic Code 5003 

Arthritis is a common foot condition among veterans, often resulting from repetitive military activities or prior foot injuries. The VA typically assigns a 10% rating per foot if your arthritis causes painful motion and is clearly shown by medical evidence like X-rays. 

Higher ratings might be possible if your arthritis affects multiple joints significantly, causing greater functional impairment or limiting daily tasks. 

To receive a VA rating for arthritis, you must provide medical records clearly showing arthritis in your feet, pain levels, and how the condition affects your everyday activities. Visit our VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Conditions page to learn more. 

Plantar Fasciitis – Diagnostic Code 5269 

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, can become irritated from repeated stress; something that’s common during military service due to long marches, running, or standing for extended periods. 

Veterans with plantar fasciitis often describe a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially with their first steps in the morning. As the day progresses, the pain may ease slightly but often returns after sitting or standing for long periods. 

The VA rates plantar fasciitis under Diagnostic Code 5269 between 10% and 40% with ratings based on severity and whether one or both feet are affected. 

How to Get Rated 

To receive a VA rating for plantar fasciitis, you’ll need to submit strong, detailed medical evidence showing how the condition affects your daily life and how it is linked to your service. Here’s what you should include in your claim: 

• Proof of chronic heel or arch pain: Your records should clearly show consistent, ongoing pain that matches the typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis, especially pain during first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. 
• Evidence of failed conservative treatment: List any treatments you’ve tried, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, orthotic inserts, night splints, corticosteroid injections, rest and ice routines. If your symptoms didn’t improve despite these efforts, that’s critical information for securing a higher rating 
• Medical imaging (if available): While not always required, MRIs or ultrasounds showing thickening of the plantar fascia or inflammation can support your diagnosis and rating. 
• Functional impact statements: Your physician should document how the pain affects your ability to walk, stand, run, or work. If you have trouble standing for long periods or walking moderate distances, that should be noted clearly in your records. 
• Nexus letter (if not already service-connected): A signed statement from your doctor linking your plantar fasciitis to your military duties strengthens your case, especially if the pain began while you were in service or shortly afterward.  

Thorough documentation showing that your plantar fasciitis is persistent, painful, and unresponsive to normal care can help ensure you receive a fair and accurate VA rating. Visit out Plantar Fasciitis VA Ratings page to learn more. 

Flatfoot (Pes Planus) – Diagnostic Code 5276 

Flatfoot, or pes planus, is a condition in which the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. This condition often develops or worsens due to the physical demands of military service, such as long-distance marching, carrying heavy loads, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces. 

The VA evaluates flatfoot under Diagnostic Code 5276 between 0% to 50% and ratings depend on whether the condition affects one or both feet, as well as the severity of symptoms. 

How to Get Rated 

To receive a VA rating for flatfoot, you’ll need to provide medical and service documentation that clearly outlines the severity and persistence of your condition. Here’s what to include in your claim: 

• Pain on Use or Manipulation: Ensure that your records describe pain when walking, standing, or during physical exams. Notes from your doctor about pain when the foot is manually examined or moved help prove your condition is more than mild. 
• Swelling and Deformity Evidence: Documentation showing swelling after use or visible changes in foot structure, such as the inward bowing of your ankles or flattening of the arches, will support a higher rating. 
• Callosities Documentation: Photographs or podiatrist notes showing thickened skin or calluses from abnormal pressure points strengthen your claim for moderate to severe flatfoot. 
• Orthopedic Shoe History: If you’ve been prescribed orthopedic shoes or arch supports and still experience symptoms, include medical records showing these treatments were not effective. 
• Pronounced Symptoms: For higher ratings (30–50%), your doctor should clearly state whether you have extreme tenderness in the foot’s sole, Achilles tendon spasms, or severe inward foot rolling (pronation). If these are present, make sure they’re clearly documented.

Each of these elements plays a role in how the VA determines your rating. Accurate, detailed medical records are essential to proving the true impact flatfoot has on your daily life and physical function. To learn more visit our VA Disability for Flat Feet guide. 

Weak Foot – Diagnostic Code 5277 

Weak foot is a less commonly rated condition, but it can significantly affect a veteran’s ability to walk, stand, or bear weight. This condition usually arises as a secondary effect of another injury or disease, such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, or bone misalignment. Weak foot often shows up through symptoms like instability, poor balance, and fatigue in the foot after physical activity. 

In many cases, weak foot affects both feet (bilateral involvement), which can make tasks like walking long distances, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods extremely difficult. Veterans may also notice an uneven or unsteady gait and increased risk of falls due to loss of control in foot movement. 

The VA uses Diagnostic Code 5277 to evaluate weak foot. While this code doesn’t have a set range like other foot conditions, the VA typically rates it based on the underlying condition causing the weakness (such as nerve paralysis, joint damage, or muscular atrophy) and the extent of functional loss. The use of braces or orthotic devices may also factor into the final rating. 

Claw Foot (Pes Cavus) – Diagnostic Code 5278 

Claw foot, or pes cavus, is a condition marked by an excessively high arch in the foot. This abnormal arch can cause the foot to become rigid and lead to painful deformities, poor balance, and difficulty walking. In veterans, claw foot may develop or worsen over time due to repetitive strain, trauma, or nerve damage experienced during military service. Common signs of claw foot include: 

• Shortened plantar fascia (the connective tissue along the sole) 
• Hammertoes (toes that curl downward abnormally) 
• High, stiff arch that doesn’t flatten with pressure 
• Foot pain during walking or standing 
• Instability or ankle sprains due to uneven weight distribution 

The VA evaluates claw foot under Diagnostic Code 5278, and ratings vary depending on the severity and whether one or both feet are affected: 

• 50% rating: The highest rating, reserved for veterans with severe bilateral deformity, including dropped forefoot, hammertoes in all toes, and extremely painful motion that severely limits function. 
• 30% rating: May be assigned when the foot shows a marked contraction of the plantar fascia, with pain and limited movement. 
• 20% rating: Given for bilateral moderate symptoms, such as some deformity and discomfort. 
• 10% rating: Applies if symptoms are mild and affect only one foot.  

How to Get Rated for Claw Foot 

To secure a VA rating for claw foot, veterans must present clear, consistent medical evidence showing both the physical deformities and the impact on daily function. 

• Document High Arch Deformity: Provide physical examination reports or imaging that confirm an abnormally high arch. Your doctor should note whether the arch remains rigid when weight is applied (a key sign of pes cavus). 
• Show Evidence of Shortened Plantar Fascia: Diagnostic imaging or a clinical evaluation should confirm whether the tissue on the bottom of the foot is tight or contracted, which contributes to pain and stiffness. 
• Include Reports of Hammertoes or Dropped Forefoot: If your toes curl downward or your forefoot is angled lower than normal due to muscle imbalances, make sure your podiatrist documents these features clearly. 
• Describe the Pain and Functional Loss: Include notes showing how pain from claw foot limits your walking, standing, balance, or ability to wear standard shoes. If you use braces or special footwear, document that too. 
• Bilateral Involvement: If both feet are affected, emphasize this in your documentation. Bilateral conditions typically receive higher ratings, especially when deformity and pain are present in both feet. 

The more thoroughly you document the anatomical changes and functional limitations caused by claw foot, the better your chances of receiving an accurate and fair VA disability rating. 

Metatarsalgia (Morton’s Disease) – Diagnostic Code 5279 

Metatarsalgia, also known as Morton’s disease, is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, usually where the second, third, or fourth toes meet the arch. Veterans may develop metatarsalgia from repetitive stress, often caused by running, jumping, marching, or carrying heavy gear during active duty. 

The pain often feels like a sharp, burning, or aching sensation and tends to worsen with standing, walking, or any weight-bearing activity. It can also feel like there’s a small pebble in your shoe or a bruise on the ball of your foot. Over time, the condition can affect your gait and make wearing certain shoes difficult or painful. 

The VA uses Diagnostic Code 5279 to evaluate metatarsalgia and assigns only a 10% rating, regardless of whether one foot or both feet are affected.  

Even though this is the only available rating for metatarsalgia, it can still contribute to a combined disability rating if you are also service-connected for other conditions. 

How to Get a Metatarsalgia Rating 

To receive a VA disability rating for metatarsalgia, it’s important to provide focused medical evidence that documents the location, nature, and severity of the pain. Here’s what to include: 

• Document Persistent Forefoot Pain: Your records should clearly describe pain in the anterior (front) part of the foot, especially in the metatarsal heads the bones just before the toes. Pain that worsens during weight-bearing activities like walking or running should be emphasized. 
• Show the Pain Is Chronic and Activity-Related: Make sure your doctor notes that the pain isn’t occasional or minor. Instead, it should be described as consistent, limiting, and linked to activities that involve standing or moving. 
• Include Imaging or Podiatry Reports: While a diagnosis of metatarsalgia is often made through clinical examination, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds can be useful to rule out other causes of foot pain (like fractures or arthritis) and confirm inflammation or stress in the metatarsal area. 
• Highlight Impact on Mobility and Gait: If the pain causes you to limp, avoid certain movements, or use assistive footwear or insoles, make sure this is documented. Gait assessments that reflect how your foot pain alters your balance or stride are especially useful. 

Even though the rating for metatarsalgia is capped at 10%, providing strong documentation ensures that you’re correctly compensated and that this condition is properly added to your overall VA disability rating. 

Heel Spurs 

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths that form on the underside of the heel bone. They often develop in response to long-term stress or inflammation in the foot, especially in the plantar fascia or surrounding ligaments.

Veterans frequently develop heel spurs due to repeated physical impact during service such as marching, running, or standing for long periods while carrying heavy equipment. Heel spurs may cause:

• Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, especially when first getting out of bed 
• Persistent aching or burning in the heel throughout the day 
• Inflammation or swelling around the heel area 
• Visible or palpable bony lump at the bottom of the heel 

This pain can make it difficult to walk, stand, or wear standard footwear. It often overlaps with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, and the two conditions can exist together. 

There is no dedicated VA diagnostic code for heel spurs. As a result, the VA usually rates heel spurs under Diagnostic Code 5279 (Metatarsalgia) or, in some cases, under the code for plantar fasciitis (5269) depending on which symptoms are more dominant. Because of this, most veterans with heel spurs receive only a 10% rating, unless additional conditions or complications warrant a higher combined rating. 

Hallux Valgus and Hallux Rigidus 

Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity that affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It causes the big toe to angle inward toward the other toes, often resulting in swelling, redness, and pain along the side of the foot. This condition is frequently aggravated by prolonged standing, tight military boots, or repetitive stress placed on the foot during service. 

Hallux rigidus is a related condition that involves stiffness and limited motion in the big toe joint. Unlike a bunion, which causes the toe to shift, hallux rigidus is marked by pain, swelling, and reduced ability to bend the toe, particularly during walking. This can make pushing off the foot during a stride extremely painful. 

Both conditions can severely limit mobility, cause chronic pain, and interfere with wearing normal shoes. Walking, running, or standing for long periods may become difficult or even unbearable. The VA evaluates these conditions under two different diagnostic codes: 

• Diagnostic Code 5280 – Hallux Valgus 
• Diagnostic Code 5281 – Hallux Rigidus (rated under the same criteria as severe hallux valgus) 

Both conditions share a maximum VA disability rating of 10% per foot. Ratings under 5281 cannot be combined with other foot deformity ratings, such as claw foot, on the same foot. Visit our VA Disability Ratings for Hallux Valgus (Bunions) page to learn more. 

Hammer Toe – Diagnostic Code 5282 

Hammer toe is a foot deformity that affects one or more of the smaller toes (typically the second, third, or fourth toe). In this condition, the toe bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance.

Hammertoe often develops due to muscle imbalances, poor-fitting footwear, or long-term pressure on the toes; all factors that are all common in military service. Veterans with hammer toe may experience: 

• Pain while wearing shoes 
• Inflammation or redness at the top of the bent toe 
• Calluses or corns where the toe rubs against footwear 
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods 
• Increased foot pain with activity 

The VA rates hammer toe under Diagnostic Code 5282, and the rating depends on how many toes are affected:

• 0% rating – Given if only one toe is affected and there are no significant functional limitations. 
• 10% rating – Assigned if all toes on one foot are affected, and there is no claw foot deformity present.

If hammer toe exists alongside other foot conditions, such as claw foot or metatarsalgia, only one rating may apply unless the conditions clearly affect different aspects of foot function. 

Malunion or nonunion of tarsal or metatarsal bones 

A malunion or nonunion occurs when bones in the foot heal improperly (malunion) or fail to heal completely (nonunion) after a fracture or break. These types of injuries often result from trauma, such as jumps, falls, or high-impact activities common during military service. Improper healing can lead to foot deformities, instability, and chronic pain that severely impacts your mobility. 

These conditions usually affect the tarsal bones (located near the ankle) or the metatarsal bones (in the midfoot), both of which are essential for maintaining balance and distributing weight while walking. Veterans with this condition may experience: 

• Visible deformities in the foot structure 
• Chronic pain, especially during weight-bearing 
• Difficulty walking or standing 
• Reduced range of motion 
• Limping or altered gait 

The VA evaluates these conditions under Diagnostic Code 5283, with ratings based on the severity of the bone misalignment and the level of functional loss: 

• 10% rating: Minor deformity or mild symptoms with some pain and limited movement. 
• 20% rating: More noticeable bone misalignment, increased pain, or limited ability to bear weight. 
• 30% rating: Severe deformity, significant pain, loss of function, or instability that limits mobility and requires assistive support. 

How to Get Rated: 

To receive a VA rating for malunion or nonunion of foot bones, your medical records must provide clear, diagnostic proof of the bone abnormality and explain how it affects your daily life. Here’s how to document your claim: 

• Imaging Evidence: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs are crucial for proving malunion or nonunion. These images should show exactly where the bones failed to heal or healed out of alignment, and how the structure of your foot is affected. 
• Documentation of Foot Deformity: Include physical exam notes that describe how the improperly healed bone changes the shape, alignment, or function of your foot. 
• Pain and Functional Impact Statements: Your doctor should clearly describe how the injury affects your walking, standing, and overall foot function. Be sure to mention any use of a cane, brace, or orthotic device as a result of the condition. 
• Evidence of Reduced Mobility or Balance Issues: If your altered gait or foot structure causes balance problems or an increased risk of falls, include gait assessments or physical therapy evaluations that support your limitations. 
• Service Connection Proof: If the fracture occurred during service or worsened due to service-related duties (such as marching with a rucksack or jumping during training), include service medical records or buddy statements confirming the incident.

Since this condition directly affects the structure and mechanics of your foot, the more specific your documentation, the more accurately the VA can assess the severity and award the correct disability rating for your foot pain and deformity. 

Foot Drop 

Foot drop is a condition that makes it difficult or impossible to lift the front part of your foot. Instead of lifting normally when you walk, the foot drags or slaps against the ground, which can cause tripping, instability, and a noticeable change in your gait. For veterans, foot drop is often caused by nerve damage, especially from injuries to the lower back, knees, or legs sustained during military service. 

Unlike other foot conditions rated under musculoskeletal diagnostic codes, foot drop is rated under Diagnostic Code 8520, which covers paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The severity of the nerve damage determines your VA rating not just the presence of foot pain or difficulty walking. Symptoms of foot drop may include: 

• Inability to lift the foot at the ankle 
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot or leg 
• Dragging the toes when walking 
• Muscle atrophy or loss of strength in the lower leg 
• Use of braces or assistive devices

VA ratings for foot drop under Diagnostic Code 8520 range from 10% to 80%, based on the degree of nerve paralysis and functional impairment. Visit our VA Disability Rating for Foot Drop page to learn more. 

Achilles Tendon Conditions 

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping. Damage to the Achilles tendon (through rupture, strain, or chronic inflammation) can severely affect your ability to perform basic activities.

Veterans are especially at risk for Achilles tendon issues due to intense physical training, frequent running, and wearing combat boots that put pressure on the back of the foot and heel. Achilles tendon problems fall into two main categories: 

• Achilles Tendon Rupture: This occurs when the tendon partially or completely tears, leading to sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. A complete rupture often requires surgery and extended recovery time, and may result in long-term mobility limitations. 
• Achilles Tendonitis: This refers to chronic inflammation of the tendon, usually from overuse or repetitive strain. Symptoms include pain or tightness in the back of the ankle, especially after physical activity or prolonged standing. 

These conditions are generally rated based on functional loss and limitation of motion, rather than having a specific diagnostic code of their own. Depending on how the tendon issue presents, the VA may classify it as either a foot condition or an ankle condition. 

Because there’s no single diagnostic code for Achilles tendon injuries, VA ratings are assigned by evaluating the specific functional limitations they cause usually under codes related to limited motion of the ankle (5271) or foot injuries (5284), depending on the case. Visit our VA Disability Rating for Tendonitis page to learn more. 

Getting a Higher Rating  

If your foot pain has worsened over time or you believe the VA underrated your condition, you have the right to request a higher disability rating. Many veterans receive an initial rating that doesn’t fully reflect how severely their foot condition limits their mobility, work capability, or daily life. Fortunately, the VA offers several pathways to challenge or supplement your original rating decision. 

• Higher-Level Review: This option allows you to request a senior VA claims adjudicator to re-evaluate your case using the same evidence already on file. It’s best used when you believe the VA made a mistake in interpreting the evidence or applying the correct rating criteria. 
• Supplemental Claim: If you have new and relevant evidence such as updated medical records, imaging results, or a detailed doctor’s statement you can file a supplemental claim. This allows the VA to reconsider your foot condition in light of new documentation that may support a higher rating. 
• Board Appeal: If your higher-level review or supplemental claim is denied or if you want your case heard by a Veterans Law Judge, you can appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You’ll have the option to submit new evidence, request a hearing, or ask for a direct review based on the record. 

If your foot condition has gotten worse since your last VA examination, you should also consider filing for an increased rating claim. In this case, the VA will schedule a new Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to reassess the severity of your condition. 

Regardless of which route you choose, consider working with a VA-accredited representative, Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or attorney to help you gather strong evidence and navigate the appeal process. These professionals can ensure your claim includes updated medical evaluations, thorough documentation of your foot pain and mobility limitations, and proper service connection. 

Veterans with constant foot pain, limited range of motion, or conditions affecting both feet often qualify for a higher combined rating than what’s initially awarded. Challenging your rating is your right, and strong medical evidence is your best tool for getting the compensation you deserve. 

Can You Get TDIU for Foot Problems? 

Yes, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) may be available to veterans whose foot pain or foot-related conditions prevent them from holding steady employment even if they do not have a 100% combined disability rating. TDIU provides compensation at the 100% level if a veteran’s service-connected disabilities make it impossible to maintain gainful employment. 

Severe foot conditions can have a major impact on your ability to work, especially if your job involves physical labor, prolonged standing, walking, or wearing specific types of footwear. Veterans who suffer from debilitating foot pain, limited mobility, or structural foot deformities may find that even desk jobs become difficult due to discomfort, inability to sit or stand for long periods, or the need for constant elevation of the feet. 

To be eligible for TDIU, you generally need to meet one of two criteria: 

1. One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher, or 
2. Two or more service-connected conditions, with one rated at least 40% and a combined rating of 70% or higher 

If your foot condition is the primary cause of your unemployability or if it’s one of several conditions that together prevent you from working, you may qualify. This includes combinations of plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, arthritis, metatarsalgia, or any other foot condition that causes severe and consistent functional limitations. 

To build a strong TDIU case based on foot problems, you should submit: 

• Medical records showing chronic pain, limited motion, or inability to stand, walk, or wear required work footwear. 
• A vocational assessment or statement from an expert explaining how your foot condition limits your job performance or prevents you from holding employment. 
• Statements from former employers noting reduced productivity, absenteeism, or workplace accommodations that could not be maintained. 
• VA Form 21-8940 (Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) and VA Form 21-4192 (Request for Employment Information) from your most recent employer. 

If approved, TDIU pays the same as a 100% disability rating, even if your actual combined rating is lower. For many veterans, especially those with severe and disabling foot conditions, TDIU can be a life-changing benefit that provides full financial support when work is no longer possible due to service-connected health problems. Our TDIU lawyers can help win your case. 

SMC for Foot Problems

Veterans who can no longer use their feet due to severe disabilities are eligible for Special Monthly Compensation, which is higher than the standard rating-based VA disability. Learn more about benefits for loss of use of feet. 

If you believe your foot condition qualifies you for SMC or TDIU, a VA-accredited representative or attorney can guide you through the process and increase your chances for success. Contact Hill & Ponton today to get your free case evaluation.