If you are a Veteran who is suffering from toenail fungus, you may be wondering what your disability rating will be.
The good news is that the Board of Veterans’ Appeals has released guidance on this issue.
In a recent decision, the Board found that toenail fungus can receive a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804. This code is for disabilities that are “unstable and tender.”
What is the VA disability rating for toenail fungus?
Fungal infections of the toenails, also called onychomycosis, are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and their spores can be easily transferred from one person to another.
Symptoms of onychomycosis include thickened nails, yellow or brown nail discoloration, and crumbling nails. In severe cases, the infection can cause pain and loss of the nail.
Treatment typically involves oral antifungal medications, but these can have side effects such as liver damage and gastrointestinal upset.
The VA rates fungal infections of the toenails as 10 percent disabling if they are symptomatic and require treatment.
If the infection is not symptomatic, but has resulted in nail loss, the VA rates it as 30 percent disabling. If you have any questions about your VA disability rating, speak to a veteran’s benefits lawyer today.
This article is intended to be informational only and does not constitute legal advice.
Do podiatrists handle toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a common problem that can cause the nails to become discolored, thickened, and deformed. If you notice any of these changes in your nails, it is important to consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Podiatrists are specialists in disorders of the feet and can provide a wide range of treatment options for toenail fungus.
These options may include creams or ointments applied directly to the nail, removal of a portion of the nail, or laser therapy. In some cases, oral antifungal medication may also be prescribed.
With proper treatment, toenail fungus can often be successfully eradicated.
What doctor is best for toenail fungus?
When it comes to toenail fungus, you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible care. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, it’s time to consult with a doctor.
Dermatologists and podiatrists can both provide scrapings and diagnostic tests. However, dermatologists are more likely to have experience with fungal infections.
They may also be able to offer oral antifungal medications, which are generally more effective than topical treatments. So if you’re looking for the best doctor for your toenail fungus, a dermatologist is your best bet.
What is the most effective treatment for severe toenail fungus?
Severe toenail fungus can be difficult to treat, but oral antifungal drugs are usually the first choice. These drugs work by clearing the infection and helping the nail to heal.
The most common oral antifungal drugs are terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs are effective in treating severe toenail fungus, but they can take several months to work.
Side effects of these drugs include liver damage, so they should be used with caution. Topical treatments are another option for treating severe toenail fungus. These treatments are applied directly to the nail and work by slowly killing the fungus.
However, they are not as effective as oral antifungal drugs and can take up to a year to work. The most common side effect of topical treatments is skin irritation.
Is plantar fasciitis a permanent disability?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis is most often seen in middle-aged adults and is more common in women than men. The condition is usually treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications.
In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended. Surgery is rarely needed. Most people with plantar fasciitis recover within a few months with conservative treatment.
However, the condition can recur and may become chronic if it is not properly treated. Chronic plantar fasciitis can lead to heel pain that persists even when resting.
This can make walking and other activities difficult. If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, it can become a permanent disability.
Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you experience heel pain that lasts for more than a few days. Treatment can help to prevent the condition from becoming chronic and disabling.
What is the VA disability rating for tinea pedis?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that can cause itching, burning, and redness of the feet.
The condition is usually caused by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as shower floors or public swimming pools. While tinea pedis can be uncomfortable, it is generally not considered a serious medical condition.
However, the fungus that causes tinea pedis can also lead to other infections, such as fungus of the toenails or yeast infections. For this reason, the Veterans Administration (VA) has established a disability rating for tinea pedis.
Under 38 C.F.R. SS 4.118, Diagnostic Codes 7813-7806, the VA rates tinea pedis as disabling at 10 percent.
This rating may be increased if the Veteran also has another condition that is caused by the fungus, such as toenail fungus or a yeast infection.
Can I get VA disability for athlete’s foot?
At first glance, it may seem like athlete’s foot wouldn’t be a serious enough condition to warrant VA disability benefits. However, athlete’s foot can actually be a very debilitating condition, particularly for those who suffer from severe cases.
Symptoms can include intense itchiness, burning, redness, and blistering. In some cases, the skin may even crack and bleed. The condition can also lead to secondary infections, which can further complicate matters.
Because of the potential severity of athlete’s foot, the VA has established a disability rating for the condition. A rating of 30 percent is available for bilateral (affecting both feet) cases of athlete’s foot.
To receive this rating, claimants must have extensive skin lesions that are deep and painful. They must also exhibit severe symptoms that interfere with their ability to work or perform other daily activities.
If you believe you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
Can you get VA disability for ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful, and often require surgery to fix. In some cases, however, the condition can be managed with medication and regular care.
If you are unable to work or perform other activities due to your condition, you may be eligible for disability benefits from the VA. To qualify, your disability must be rated at 10 percent or higher.
In determining the severity of your condition, the VA will consider factors such as the extent of pain, intensity of treatment, and length of time you have been affected.
If you believe you may be eligible for benefits, it is important to talk to a qualified VA doctor or agent to learn more about the process.
Can you get VA disability for feet?
Veterans who have incurred injuries to their feet during their service may be eligible for VA disability benefits. The degree of disability is based on the severity of the injury, with more severe injuries resulting in a higher percentage of disability.
For example, an injury that results in the complete loss of use of the foot would be rated as 100 percent disabled, while an injury that is only moderately severe would be rated as 10 percent disabled.
In order to receive benefits, veterans must first obtain a determination from the VA that their injury is service-related.
Once this has been established, the VA will then assign a disability rating based on the criteria described above. Veterans who believe they may be eligible for VA disability benefits should contact the VA to learn more about the application process.
Conclusion
The Board found that the Veteran’s fungal disability can receive a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804, as it is unstable and tender.
This means that the Veteran’s toenail fungus will be considered for VA disability compensation.
If you are a veteran with toenail fungus and would like more information on how to file for VA disability, please contact a VA-accredited claims agent.
