Can A Veteran Get 100% Temp For Surgery From A Private Surgeon For A Service Connect Disability

[Mont36]

I am a veteran with over pronated flat feet. The VA has been slow about treatment but have given me a total of 8 custom inserts, pain medication, cortisone shots, and shoes. I went to a private podiatrist on my own because I wanted a second opinion on my ankle, knee pain secondary to feet pain. Can I get 100% temp if I get surgery for feet from private doctor outside of VA. He suggested I get screws in feet in order to stabilize foot but informed me it was 50-60% effective and no guarantees. Anyone have input, thanks.

[meghp0405]

Yes, any surgery on a service connected disability where the convalescence is 21 days or longer, you are entitled to 100% . You are 90%, so if you meet the requirements, the VA will pay the additional 10%, which amounts to a big chunk of money.

You will need a letter from the doc doing the surgery. He/she needs to spell out the procedure that will be performed, date of the procedure, which foot, L or R and the convalescence is 21 days or longer. I would submit this to the VA once everything is confirmed. You do not have to wait until after the surgery.

[Mont36]

Ok thank you for responding to this post I will definitely do that. I wonder if I could apply for increase for feet since he is operating on both.

[meghp0405]

you can submit for an increase if you would like, however, for your information, this is what the 38CFR states concerning your condition;

mild- symptoms relieved by built up shoe or arch support, 0%

moderate- 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, 10%

severe- objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities, unilateral-20%, bilateral-30%

hope this helps!

[Mont36]

Yeah it does. I am at 20% for my feet now. I know I need surgery according to podiatrist. So I will go for increase for maybe scar and whatever I incur after surgery. Thanks.