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Is Foot Drop a Disability?
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Bilateral vs Unilateral Foot Drop
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What are the VA Disability Ratings for Foot Drop?
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How does the VA Disability System Work?
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What are the Service Connection Requirements?
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C&P Exam for Foot Drop
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What Happens if Your VA Claim Gets Denied?
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Taking the Next Step Toward VA Benefits and Support
Foot drop is a medical condition that makes it hard to lift the front part of your foot.
This often leads to dragging your toes when you walk, or forcing you to lift your leg higher than normal. It can be caused by nerve injury, neurological disorders, or muscle weakness.
If you’re a veteran and foot drop affects your mobility or daily life, the VA considers it a disability. That means you may be eligible for disability benefits, but you’ll need to meet certain criteria and go through the VA claims process.
Unilateral foot drop means the condition affects just one foot.
Bilateral foot drop means both feet are affected.
Bilateral foot drop is usually more severe and can make walking much harder, which may result in a higher VA disability rating compared to unilateral foot drop.
The VA uses a schedule called the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities to assign ratings to conditions like foot drop, based on their severity and impact on your life.
- Foot drop is typically rated under Diagnostic Code 8521 (Paralysis of the External Popliteal Nerve, also known as the Common Peroneal Nerve).
- Severe foot drop with complete loss of dorsiflexion (upward movement) of the foot, and loss of ankle movement, can be rated at 40% for each affected foot.
- Less severe cases may be rated lower (e.g., 10%, 20%, or 30%), depending on the degree of paralysis and loss of function.
How does the VA Disability System Work?
The VA disability process involves several steps:
- Filing a Claim: You submit evidence that your foot drop is connected to your military service.
- Service Connection: The VA reviews your records to see if your condition is related to your service.
- Medical Evaluation: You’ll likely attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, where a VA doctor assesses your disability.
- Rating Decision: The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity and impact of your foot drop.
- Monthly Compensation: Your rating determines your monthly payment.
What are the Service Connection Requirements?
To get a VA disability rating for foot drop, you must show:
- A current diagnosis of foot drop.
- Evidence it began during or was aggravated by your military service.
- A medical “nexus” linking your foot drop to your time in service, or to another service-connected condition.
Sometimes, foot drop is secondary to another service-connected condition (like diabetes, nerve injury, or back problems).
The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a key part of the VA disability process.
During the exam:
- The examiner will assess your ability to move and control your foot and ankle.
- They may observe your gait, ask you to walk or perform simple movements, and look for muscle weakness or nerve damage.
- Bring any medical records, doctor notes, or supporting evidence to your exam.
What Happens if Your VA Claim Gets Denied?
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You can:
- File an appeal: Submit a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) and request a review.
- Provide more evidence: New medical records or supporting letters can strengthen your case.
- Get legal help: Veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) and VA-accredited attorneys can assist you throughout the process.
Taking the Next Step Toward VA Benefits and Support
Living with foot drop can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate the VA disability process alone.
Understanding your options and knowing what to expect at each stage—from establishing service connection to appealing a denied claim—can help you get the benefits and support you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to veterans’ organizations or accredited representatives for guidance along the way. With the right information and assistance, you can take confident steps toward better mobility and a higher quality of life.
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