How to Get a Tinea Pedis VA Rating

In this guide, we’ll reveal how to get a tinea pedis VA rating.

We’ll break down how the VA rates athlete’s foot and bilateral tinea pedis, and guide you toward obtaining VA compensation for fungal infections of the feet.

Tinea Pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection affecting the feet and toes. 

But what are the VA disability ratings available for tinea pedis?

Let’s take a look.

What is Tinea Pedis?

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection affecting the skin, typically starting between the toes. This condition frequently manifests in individuals whose feet experience excessive perspiration, particularly when enclosed in snug footwear.

Tinea Pedis in Veterans

The origins of tinea pedis are deeply intertwined with the living conditions commonly encountered by veterans during their service. 

Those familiar with armed service training or active duty abroad understand the scarcity of even shared shower facilities, with damp tiled floors becoming breeding grounds for the bacteria responsible for tinea pedis. 

The moniker “athlete’s foot” reflects its penchant for thriving in dark, damp, and poorly ventilated shoes, a familiar environment for those who have endured miles in heavy, waterproofed combat boots. 

Beyond the service period, tinea pedis may emerge as a consequence of other service-related conditions affecting mobility during a veteran’s retirement. 

These pre-existing disabilities not only heighten the likelihood of tinea pedis development but also place disabled veterans at a greater risk of complications stemming from the spread of the infection.

Tinea Pedis VA Ratings

Veterans with dermatophytosis (tinea pedis and tinea cruris) and calluses may qualify to receive Athlete’s Foot VA ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60%, as determined under diagnostic codes 7813 and 7806. 

The General Rating Formula for the Skin for DCs 7806, 7809, 7813–7816, 7820–7822, and 7824 is structured based on the severity of skin conditions, with corresponding percentages determining the disability rating. 

• 60% VA Rating: A VA rating of 60% is assigned if characteristic lesions cover more than 40 percent of the entire body or exposed areas or if constant or near-constant systemic therapy, such as corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, or other immunosuppressive drugs, has been required over the past 12-month period.

• 30% VA Rating: A 30% VA rating is given if lesions involve 20-40 percent of the body or exposed areas or if systemic therapy has been required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, though not constantly, in the past year.

• 10% VA Rating: A 10% VA rating applies to characteristic lesions covering 5 percent to less than 20 percent of the body or intermittent systemic therapy lasting less than 6 weeks over the past 12 months.

• 0% VA Rating: A 0% VA rating is assigned when less than 5 percent of the body is affected, and only topical therapy has been required over the past year. This organized rating system ensures a comprehensive evaluation of skin conditions for an accurate disability rating.

Bilateral Tinea Pedis VA Disability

When evaluating veterans with bilateral tinea pedis in both feet, the VA considers the overall impact of the condition on the veterans’s health and well-being.

Bilateral conditions often result in a higher athlete’s foot VA disability rating, reflecting the additional challenges faced by veterans with tinea pedis affecting both feet.

How to Service Connect Tinea Pedis

Veterans suffering from tinea pedis because of their military service should know how to prove a service connection in order to win their VA disability claim.

To receive a Tinea Pedis VA disability rating, you must meet the following requirements:

• A current medical diagnosis of tinea pedis
• An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation
• A medical nexus (or link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, or illness (can be a Nexus Letter)

How to File an Athlete’s Foot VA Claim

Filing an Athlete’s Foot VA claim consists of the following five steps:

• Gather Documentation: Collect medical records showing current diagnosis, test results, service records, and other evidence, such as Medical Nexus Letter or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) linking your tinea pedis to your military service.
• Complete VA Form 21-526EZ: Fill out this form to apply for disability compensation. Include details about your exposure, symptoms, and how it affects your daily life.
• Submit Your VA Claim: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the VA regional office handling your claim. You can submit it online through the VA website, by mail, or in person.
• Undergo Examinations: The VA might schedule you for medical examinations to evaluate the extent of your tinea pedis.
• Await the Decision: The VA will review your claim, considering the evidence provided.

The VA will notify you of their decision regarding your eligibility for a tinea pedis VA disability rating, including VA benefits and compensation.

Tinea Pedis Treatment: Restoration and Prevention

Managing tinea pedis is crucial to avoid complications and chronic pain. Treatment options, determined by infection severity, include topical solutions administered over weeks with confirmatory tests.

Oral antifungals may be considered if initial treatment fails or extends to the heel, but their use is reserved for severe cases due to potential side effects. 

Conclusion

Navigating the VA disability ratings for dermatophytosis, including tinea pedis, demands a clear understanding of the VA rating criteria. 

Veterans may receive VA ratings ranging from 0% to 60%, as determined by Diagnostic Code 7813, with specific evaluation criteria under Diagnostic Code 7806. 

Recognizing the nuances of these ratings is crucial, whether dealing with dermatophytosis of foot injuries, to ensure fair and accurate assessments by the VA. 

This understanding empowers veterans to advocate for their rightful compensation and support based on the severity of their service-related conditions.

Tinea Pedis VA Rating (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a tinea pedis VA rating?

Yes. To receive a tinea pedis VA rating, you need a current medical diagnosis, an in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation, and a medical nexus connecting your diagnosis with your service.

What are the tinea pedis VA ratings available?

It’s possible to receive a tinea pedis VA rating of 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60%, depending severity of symptoms.

Can veterans receive compensation for bilateral tinea pedis?

Yes. Veterans with tinea pedis affecting both feet (bilateral tinea pedis) may be eligible for a higher VA disability rating to account for the added challenges of the bilateral factor.

What evidence is required for a successful VA claim for tinea pedis?

Comprehensive medical evidence, including diagnosis, treatment history, and details on how tinea pedis affects daily life, strengthens a VA disability claim.

Are there specific VA benefits for veterans with tinea pedis beyond compensation?

Yes, veterans with tinea pedis may also be eligible for additional VA benefits, such as healthcare services, depending on the severity and impact of their condition.

How can veterans appeal a VA decision regarding their tinea pedis disability rating?

If veterans aren’t happy with a decision from the VA, they can appeal it. The appeal process means providing more proof, attending hearings if needed, and following the steps to ask for a second look or a change in their tinea pedis disability rating. See also 3 Options if Your VA Claim is Denied.

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand how to take control of the claims process so you can get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating FAST!

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!

 

Asaad Fakhir

A former US Army translator in Iraq (2006-2009) and an ex-commissioned Iraqi officer, Asaad graduated from the Royal Australian Military College (2010-2014). Asaad holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Arts and currently serves as a content writer at VACI, leveraging military experience with linguistic skills to create impactful content.