In this post, I’ll explain the 3 best ways to get a VA rating for flat feet along with expert-level tips for your flat feet C&P exam.
Many veterans suffer from various foot conditions, including pes planus (more commonly known as flat feet) and plantar fasciitis, and are seeking to service connect their disabilities for VA benefits.
In 2022, flat feet VA disability ratings range from 0 percent to 50 percent, with interim breaks at 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent.
The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50 percent.
Your final VA rating for pes planus depends upon whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral as well as the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration.
Okay, let’s jump into how to get your pes planus rated for VA disability purposes.
Table of Contents
- What are Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans?
- How to Service Connect Your Flat Feet for VA Disability
- To get your VA claim for flat feet approved, you need to prove 3 essential elements:
- How Do I Get a Flat Feet VA Disability Rating?
- What are the Flat Feet VA Disability Ratings?
- 50 Percent Flat Feet VA Rating (Bilateral)
- 30 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral)
- 30 Percent VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral)
- 20 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral)
- 10 Percent Pes Planus VA Rating (Bilateral or Unilateral)
- 0 Percent VA Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral or Unilateral)
- What is the Pain Motion Principle for Flat Feet?
- List of VA Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet
- List of Common Conditions Secondary to Flat Feet:
- Can I Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis?
- About the Author
What are Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans?
Veterans have flat feet when they have little to no arch (flattened foot), which lets the entire sole of one or both feet touch the ground when standing or walking.
Flat feet are a common condition that’s usually painless; however, they can become painful over time due to overuse, obesity, running, military combat boots, or wearing poor insoles.
Keep in mind flat feet can also develop after an injury or from everyday wear-and-tear such as military service.
Also note that you might have entered military service with flat feet, which is known as a “pre-service disability.”
Many veterans have flat feet aggravated by military service (beyond their natural progression), in which case, you’re eligible for VA disability benefits based upon “aggravation of a pre-service disability,” assuming you have medical evidence showing that your flat feet worsened over time.
Flat feet can also cause problems in your ankles, knees, hips, and back because the condition can change the alignment of your legs—these are all common secondary conditions for secondary service connection.
There are several risk factors for flat feet including: Obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, and diabetes.
How to Service Connect Your Flat Feet for VA Disability
To get your VA claim for flat feet approved, you need to prove 3 essential elements:
- #1. Medical diagnosis of flat feet. This can be in Service Treatment Records (STRs), VA medical records,ORany private records, but it needs to be in a medical record. It does help to have a “current” medical diagnosis of pes planus within the past 12 months, although it’s not required.
- #2.Your flat feet were caused or made worse by yourACTIVE-DUTYmilitary service (“Nexus”)ORit’s proximately due to or aggravated byANOTHERservice-connected disability rated at 0% or higher for secondary service connection.
- #3.Current symptoms of flat feet, which we call “Severity of Symptoms.” How severe are your symptoms and how are your flat feet negatively impacting your work, life, and social functioning? Also think about “Functional Impairment” or “Economic Loss” due to the severity of your flat feet.
If you think you have a foot disorder such as pes planus (flat feet), but don’t have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA facility nearest youto make an appointment right away.
You’ll likely be referred from your Primary Care Doctor to a Podiatrist, who is a medical professional that specializes in the treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
If you’re trying to increase your VA disability rating for flat feet, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant the higher rating criteria by law.
The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for pes planus is to have objective medical evidence that shows how your symptoms have worsened over time.
How Do I Get a Flat Feet VA Disability Rating?
There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a flat feet VA rating:
- #1: Direct Service Connection for Flat Feet rated either unilateral or bilateral, with VA ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50%.
- #2: Secondary Service Connection for Flat Feet rated either unilateral or bilateral, with VA ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50%. For instance, a veteran could be rated for Flat Feet secondary to Ankle Pain.
- #3: Aggravation of a Pre-Service Disability for Flat Feet rated either unilateral or bilateral, with VA ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50%. For example, a veteran could be rated for Flat Feet due to aggravation of a pre-service disability. This means you had the condition before you joined the military, but your military service aggravated your flat feet beyond their natural progression.
What are the Flat Feet VA Disability Ratings?
The VA rates flat feet using Title 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, Flatfoot, Acquired.
Flat feet VA disability ratings range from 0% to 50% with interim breaks at 10%, 20%, and 30% depending upon unilateral or bilateral, and the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration.
50 Percent Flat Feet VA Rating (Bilateral)
The 50 percent VA rating is appropriate for severe bilateral flat feet pronounced with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
30 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral)
The 30 percent VA rating is appropriate for severe unilateral flat feet pronounced with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.
30 Percent VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral)
The 30 percent rating for pes planus is appropriate for bilateral flat feet with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses). The photo below is an example of yellow calluses and cracking of the heel.
20 Percent VA Rating for Pes Planus (Unilateral)
The 20 percent rating for flat feet is appropriate for unilateral pes planus with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities (yellow calluses).
10 Percent Pes Planus VA Rating (Bilateral or Unilateral)
The 10 percent VA rating for pes planus is appropriate for moderate symptoms such as weight-bearing line over or medial to great toe, inward bowing of the tendo achillis, pain on manipulation and use of the feet, bilateral or unilateral.
0 Percent VA Rating for Flat Feet (Bilateral or Unilateral)
The 0 percent VA disability rating for flat feet is appropriate for mild symptoms relieved by built-up shoe or arch support .
What is the Pain Motion Principle for Flat Feet?
The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the veteran should at least be awarded the minimum level of compensable disability for that condition.
For example, let’s say you have full range of motion for your flat feet and no functional impairment or loss, but you have pain during movement, then you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for pes planus, which is 10%.
List of VA Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet
In veterans with symptoms, there may be complaints of the midfoot, heels, lower legs, knees, hips, and or back pain, which can all be linked and rated as secondary conditions to flat feet.
Other conditions linked to flat feet in a bi-directional relationship include leg length differences, pregnancy, Marfan’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and scoliosis, obesity, injuries to your foot or ankles, and diabetes.
List of Common Conditions Secondary to Flat Feet:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Back Pain
- Radiculopathy
- Degenerative Disc Disease
Can I Get a VA Disability Rating for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis?
The VA rates Pes Planus (Flat Feet) using Title 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5276, Flatfoot versus Plantar Fasciitis, which is rated under DC 5269.
The highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral flat feet is 50%, whereas the highest scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%.
Because the symptoms associated with flat feet and plantar fasciitis are so similar, it’s highly unlikely to get separate VA ratings for flat feet and plantar fasciitis due to theavoidance of pyramiding.
However, if a veteran has both conditions diagnosed, with similar symptoms for each disability, according to the “higher of two evaluations” principle, the higher rating will be assigned if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating.
For example, if you have both severe bilateral flat feet and severe bilateral plantar fasciitis, the VA Rater should grant the 50% rating for pes planus because it’s the higher of the two ratings (the maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral plantar fasciitis is 30%).
What Should I Expect at a Flat Feet VA C&P Exam?
A C&P exam for flat feet involves a physical examination of the feet for tenderness, swelling, calluses, pain, and functional impairment or loss, as well as a walking test for overpronation.
Sometimes the C&P examiner will order X-Rays of one or both feet to check for foot deformities such as calcified heel spurs.
The following 24-questions will be answered by the C&P examiner on the electronic version of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for Foot Conditions, Including Flatfoot (Pes Planus).
1. Does the Veteran have pain on use of the feet?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is accentuated on use.
2. Does the Veteran have pain on manipulation of the feet?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and if pain is manipulated on use.
3. Is there indication of swelling on use?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
4. Does the Veteran have characteristic calluses?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
5. Does the Veteran use arch supports or built-up shoes?
If yes, indicate the effect of symptoms and if the veteran receives relief in one or both sides of the foot.
6. Does the Veteran have extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces on one or both feet?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
7. Is the tenderness improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
8. Does the Veteran have decreased longitudinal arch height of one or both feet on weight-bearing?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
9. Is there objective evidence of marked deformity of one or both feet (pronation, abduction, etc.)?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
10. Is there marked pronation of one foot or both feet?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
11. Is the condition improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
12. For one or both feet, is the weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
13. Is there a lower extremity deformity other than pes planus, causing alteration of the weight-bearing line?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected and describe the lower extremity deformity other than pes planus causing alteration of the weight-bearing line.
14. Does the Veteran have “inward” bowing of the Achilles’ tendon (i.e., hindfoot valgus, with lateral deviation of the heel) of one or both feet?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
15. Does the Veteran have marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles’ tendon (rigid hindfoot) on manipulation of one or both feet?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
16. Is the marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the Achilles’ tendon improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
17. Does the Veteran have any “Functional Loss” due to his/her flat feet?
The VA defines functional loss as the “inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and/or endurance.”
As regards to the joints, factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes.
Using information based on a review of all procurable information, to include the Veteran’s statement on examination, case-specific evidence (to include medical treatment records when applicable and lay evidence), the examiner’s medical expertise, and physical exam, select the factors below that contribute to functional loss or impairment (regardless of repetitive use) or to additional limitation of range of motion (ROM) after repetitive use for the joint or extremity being evaluated on this Disability Benefits Questionnaire for Flat Feet:
- No functional loss for left lower extremity attributable to claimed condition
- No functional loss for right lower extremity attributable to claimed condition
- Less movement than normal
- More movement than normal
- Weakened movement
- Swelling
- Deformity
- Atrophy of disuse
- Instability of station
- Disturbance of locomotion
- Interference with sitting
- Interference with standing
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Lack of endurance
- Incoordination
- Other, describe:
18. Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
If yes, (there is a functional loss due to pain, during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time), please describe the functional loss as well as cite and discuss evidence (must be specific to the case and based on all procurable evidence).
19. Is there any other functional loss during flare-ups and/or after repeated use over time?
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
20. Is there evidence of pain on any of the following?
- Passive motion
- Active motion
- Weight-bearing
- Non-weight-bearing
- On rest/non-movement
If yes, indicate the side(s) affected.
21. Has Diagnostic Testing been performed?
Note: Diagnostic Testing is not necessary for every condition. Plain or weight-bearing foot x-rays are not required to make the diagnosis of flatfoot. The diagnosis of degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) or post-traumatic arthritis must be confirmed by imaging studies. Once such arthritis has been documented, even if in the past, no further imaging studies are required by VA, even if arthritis has worsened.
22. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination?
If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date, and results.
23. Does the Veteran have “Functional Impact” to their work, life, and social functioning?
Note: Provide the impact of only the diagnosed condition(s), without consideration of the impact of other medical conditions or factors, such as age.
24. Regardless of the Veteran’s current employment status, do the condition(s) listed in the diagnosis section impact his or her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)?
If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Founder & CEO
Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims Insider–“The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”
His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to create“VA Claims Insider,”which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim.
Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the world’s largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013.
His eBook, the“9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim”has been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans.
He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
FAQs
How do you prove VA disability for flat feet? ›
- A Veteran must have a current medical diagnosis for flat feet. ...
- An in-service event or injury. ...
- A medical nexus connecting the condition to military service.
Three Criteria Required for VA Disability Approval
To win your VA disability compensation claim, you must demonstrate three things: a medical diagnosis, a connection to active duty military service (nexus), and. medical evidence of recurring or persistent symptoms.
A bilateral acquired flatfoot (pes planus) will be rated as 30 percent disabling where severe with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities.
How do I get VA compensation for flat feet? ›If you are a veteran dealing with problems due to flat feet from your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. To qualify for benefits, you must show that your condition is disabling and connected to your military service.
What are secondary conditions to flat feet? ›Inflammation or damage to the posterior tibial tendon, which runs from the lower leg, down to the ankle, and to the middle of the arch of the foot. Dislocated or broken bones in the legs or feet. Health conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) Nerve damage, such as from peripheral neuropathy.
What is the standard of proof for VA disability? ›Typically, in order to prove service connection, a veteran will need to show three things: That they have a current, diagnosed disability; That they experienced an in-service event, injury, or symptom; and. A medical nexus linking their current diagnosis to the in-service incident.
What is the easiest way to get 100% VA disability? ›- Sustained their injury or illness during active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training.
- Been honorably discharged from the military.
- Been given a 10 percent or more VA disability rating for the illness or injury.
...
Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Limitation of the knee.
- Neck and back strains (Lumbosacral or cervical strain)
- Limitation of arm motion.
- Limitation of ankle motion.
A 100% VA Disability Rating is the highest combined rating a veteran can receive for VA Disability. It is also known as a Total Rating.
What is a C&P exam for foot pain? ›During a C & P exam for plantar fasciitis, a doctor may take X-rays and likely physically examine each foot. The purpose of the X-rays is to verify the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis from another doctor and look for medical evidence to confirm it, like calcified heel spurs.
Why does the military reject flat feet? ›
Those with flat feet are not suited to marching - they can sustain spinal damage. The government may not care if one is killed, but cannot take the chance of anyone's seeking a disability pension.
What is 50% VA rating for pes planus? ›The assigned 50 percent disability rating is the maximum assignable disability rating for pes planus under the provisions of Diagnostic Code 5276. Diagnostic Code 5278 provides for a maximum 50 percent rating for bilateral acquired claw foot (pes cavus).
What diseases are associated with flat feet? ›...
Factors that increase the risk of flat feet include:
- being male.
- rheumatoid arthritis.
- diabetes.
- obesity.
Flat feet (pes planus) refer to a change in foot shape in which the foot does not have a normal arch when standing.
What are the limitations of flat foot? ›Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles. Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
How do I prove VA disability without medical records? ›- Lay Evidence. A lay statement is a written statement from a veteran, family member, friend, or coworker that can be submitted to VA in support of a veteran's claim. ...
- VA Hearings. ...
- Employment Records. ...
- Medical Records. ...
- Additional Examples of Evidence.
Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don't ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.
How do I go from 70% to 100% VA disability? ›- Method 1: Appeal the Decision or File a New Claim. The most straightforward approach is to appeal VA's decision on the original claim. ...
- Method 2: Prove Individual Unemployability (TDIU) ...
- Method 3: File for a Secondary Service Connection. ...
- Assistance with Your Claims and Appeals.
- You must be a Veteran.
- You must have at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher OR.
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more with a combined rating of 70% or more.
How Much Compensation Do Veterans Rated at 80 Percent Receive? As of December 1, 2022, veterans who are rated at 80 percent will receive $1,933.15 per month. However, this amount typically changes each year to reflect changes in the cost-of-living.
How do I increase my VA disability from 90% to 100%? ›
All you need to do to seek an increase in your VA disability rating is to request the VA review your rating and provide evidence that your condition is worsening.
What is the hardest VA claim to get? ›There are 1,343,013 disabled veterans service-connected for Hearing Loss. Pro Tip: If you've been out of the military for more than 12 months, Hearing Loss is one of the most difficult claims to get service connected and rated above 0%.
How do I prove anxiety for VA disability? ›Meeting VA's Requirements for Anxiety Claims
Veterans can prove entitlement to service connection by pointing to service records from around the time they first noticed psychological symptoms while on active duty. Lay statements, counseling records, or records of job changes may also be useful.
Recent Success Rate for VA Disability Appeals
According to the Board of Veterans' Appeals Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021, that year saw a 32% acceptance rate for legacy disability appeals decisions. It also saw an acceptance rate of 38.1% for AMA disability appeals decisions.
What is the compensation for a 90% VA Disability Rating? The 2023 compensation rate (an 8.7% increase) for a 90% VA disability rating is $2,172.39. For more information about compensation for dependents, our 2023 VA Disability Rates and Compensation article covers all the updates for the year.
What is the most common 100% VA disability? ›...
What are the Most Common VA Disability Ratings?
| Combined VA Rating Percentage | Total Number (#) | Total Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 963,839 | 18.45% |
| TOTAL | 5,225,420 | 100% |
VA Compensation for 70% Disability Rating
As of December 1, 2021, veterans with a 70 percent VA disability rating receive $1,663.06 per month in VA compensation. This monetary benefit is tax free at both the federal and state levels.
#1 Q: What is a VA claim exam, also known as a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam? If you've filed a claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability compensation or pension benefits, VA may ask you to go to an examination as part of the claim process.
What can you not do at a C&P exam? ›- Don't miss a scheduled exam. This only hurts your claim by delaying a process that is already slow. ...
- Don't take C&P exams lightly. ...
- Don't exaggerate your condition. ...
- Don't understate your symptoms. ...
- Don't take “no” for an answer.
No, you do not do a C&P exam in order to file your VA disability claim application. However, the VA may require you to submit to a C&P exam as part of the VA's evaluating of your claim and reaching a decision. A C&P exam is an optional step in the veteran's disability claim process at the option of the VA.
What famous people have flat feet? ›
Celebrities with flat feet include Usain Bolt and Angelina Jolie. Usain Bolt has won multiple Olympic Games with flat feet. Angelina Jolie also has flat feet and continues to lead a productive and successful career while working on her health.
What are the different types of flat feet? ›Research has shown there are two types of flat feet. Rigid flat feet indicate the arch is completely missing, and flexible flat feet show the arch is present when the patient sits or stands.
Does the military check for flat feet? ›In fact, the condition of the foot can actually disqualify soldiers from service before they are even able to successfully enlist. During the original physical that is performed when someone joins the US Army or other branch of the military, flat feet are one of the main conditions doctors are looking for.
How much is a 50% VA disability rating worth? ›50 percent disability rating: $1,041.82 per month. 60 percent disability rating: $1,319.65 per month. 70 percent disability rating: $1,663.06 per month. 80 percent disability rating: $1,933.15 per month.
What is the average VA disability rating for foot pain? ›Under that code, foot injuries are rated at 40 percent for actual loss of use of the foot, 30 percent if injury is severe, 20 percent if moderately severe, and 10 percent if moderate.
What does a 60% VA rating mean? ›A 60% disability rating means that the veteran is 60% disabled according to calculations set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Several factors impact this rating, including: Evidence given to the VA from a doctor. VA claim exam results.
What disqualifies a person from disability? ›To qualify for disability benefits, a person must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) earning up to a certain amount. If you are able to make more than the SGA, then you will not qualify. For 2022 the threshold is $1,470 per month. For an applicant who is statutorily blind the amount is $2,460.
What do I say to get 70% PTSD compensation? ›The 70% rating criteria for PTSD include occupational and social impairment and deficiencies. Veterans with a 70% PTSD rating show the following symptoms: problems in most areas of their life, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.
Is it hard to get a VA disability rating? ›As you might expect, it is difficult to obtain a 100% VA disability rating with just one service-connected disability. Most veterans who receive a 100% rating have two or more disabling conditions. Often, these conditions have a secondary service connection.
How do I prove tinnitus to the VA? ›A nexus letter from a doctor or other medical professional will describe in detail how your tinnitus is connected to your military service. It's important to remember that the VA will not award disability benefits unless you are able to prove there is a service-connection.
What conditions automatically approve you for disability? ›
- Musculoskeletal system and connective problems including: Arthritis. ...
- Mental disorders including: ...
- Cardiovascular conditions and circulatory disorders: ...
- Cancer.
- Nervous system and sense organs conditions:
- No one will hire me; I can't find work. ...
- I am not under medical treatment for my disability. ...
- I have a history of drug abuse or criminal activity. ...
- I do household chores and go for walks. ...
- My pain is severe and unbearable. ...
- Legal Guidance When SSDI Benefits Are Denied.
- PTSD Symptoms. PTSD symptoms do not always occur immediately after trauma – in some cases they can take years to manifest. ...
- Highlight Specific Symptoms. ...
- Use Lay Statements. ...
- Prepare for Your Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam. ...
- File for Secondary Service Connection.
Although the terms “Permanent” and “Total” are often discussed together, it is possible to have a permanent disability that is not totally disabling. For example, a veteran may have a permanent disability (such as PTSD) at 70%. Her PTSD is not “Total” because it is less than 100%.
How to go from 70 to 100 PTSD rating? ›- Method 1: Appeal the Decision or File a New Claim. The most straightforward approach is to appeal VA's decision on the original claim. ...
- Method 2: Prove Individual Unemployability (TDIU) ...
- Method 3: File for a Secondary Service Connection. ...
- Assistance with Your Claims and Appeals.
The Veteran Affairs website reports that 75 percent of all initial applications for VA benefits are denied. These applications are often denied because they have incomplete information or lack necessary documentation. Other reasons for denial include: Not enough evidence to support your disability.
What are the 20 new presumptive conditions? ›- Brain cancer.
- Kidney cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Asthma diagnosed after service.
- Melanoma.
- Chronic rhinitis.
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Emphysema.
Not only can tinnitus be a secondary condition that develops after service as a result of TBIs, hearing loss, head and neck trauma, etc., but it can also lead to other conditions such as depression, anxiety, migraines, and sleep apnea.
How much disability is anxiety? ›30% Rating: Condition causes moderate occupational and social impairment, occasional reduced work efficiency, intermittent inability to perform occupational functions, and symptoms like depression, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks, sleep impairment, and mild memory loss.
What are secondary conditions to tinnitus for VA disability? ›Tinnitus is one of the most commonly claims conditions by veterans, and it can lead those affected to develop secondary conditions such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and migraines.