Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects your feet and toes. It’s caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. While it’s a common ailment, it can be persistent and uncomfortable.
For veterans, tinea pedis can be more than just a nuisance. If your athlete’s foot is service-connected, you might be eligible for VA disability benefits. The VA assigns disability ratings for various conditions, and service-connected tinea pedis is no exception. Understanding the criteria for a toe nail fungus VA rating is crucial for veterans seeking compensation.
This article will delve into what tinea pedis is, how it can be service-connected, and how the VA rates it. We’ll also cover the steps to filing a claim and some common treatment options, so you can get the information you need to understand your options and pursue the benefits you deserve.
What is Tinea Pedis?
Tinea pedis is also known as athlete’s foot. It’s a fungal infection of the skin on your feet, usually between your toes. If you have it, your skin might itch, burn, scale, or crack.
Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes — fungi that love warm, moist environments. You’re more likely to get it if you sweat a lot, wear shoes that don’t breathe, or use communal showers.
There are a few different types of athlete’s foot:
- Interdigital (between the toes)
- Moccasin-type (on the soles of your feet)
- Vesicular (blisters)
Tinea Pedis in Veterans
Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a common problem for veterans. Why? Because military environments, especially during deployment or training, are ripe for fungal infections.
Think about it: communal showers, close living quarters, heavy boots, and lots of physical activity creating sweaty feet… it’s the perfect storm. It’s easy to see how a service member could develop a stubborn case of athlete’s foot. If left untreated, it can become chronic and recurrent.
That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment. And, if you believe your athlete’s foot is service-connected (meaning it started or was aggravated by your military service), you should consider filing a VA claim. Service connection is how you access VA benefits for a specific condition.
Untreated tinea pedis can also lead to complications, like secondary bacterial infections, which can make the problem even worse. Bottom line: get it checked out!
How to service connect tinea pedis
To get VA disability benefits for toenail fungus (tinea pedis), you’ll need to prove what’s called “service connection,” and understanding the correct ICD-10 codes for nail fungus is crucial for accurate documentation. Basically, this means showing the VA that your toenail fungus is either a result of your time in the military or that your military service made it worse.
To establish a service connection, you’ll need to show the VA that you currently have toenail fungus, that something happened during your military service that could have caused or worsened it, and that a medical professional has made the connection between the two.
Examples of things that could have happened during your service that could lead to toenail fungus include exposure to unsanitary conditions while deployed or wearing military boots for long periods in a humid environment. If a doctor can write a statement (called a “medical nexus letter”) linking your current toenail fungus to one of these events, that can help your case.
Tinea pedis VA ratings
If your military service caused or worsened your tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), you may be eligible for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Understanding VA disability ratings
The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of your service-connected condition. These ratings determine the amount of monthly compensation you receive. The higher the rating, the more compensation you’ll receive.
VA disability ratings are assigned in 10% increments, from 0% to 100%.
Specific VA ratings for tinea pedis
The VA rates tinea pedis under Diagnostic Code 7813 (Skin, fungus infections of). Here’s how the VA assigns ratings for tinea pedis, based on the percentage of your body affected by the lesions and the kind of treatment you need:
- 0% rating: Lesions cover less than 5% of your body, and you only need topical therapy.
- 10% rating: Lesions cover 5-20% of your body, or you need intermittent systemic therapy (oral or injectable medications) for less than 6 weeks in the past year.
- 30% rating: Lesions cover 20-40% of your body, or you need systemic therapy for 6 or more weeks in the past year.
- 60% rating: Lesions cover more than 40% of your body, or you need constant systemic therapy.
Bilateral tinea pedis and VA disability
If you have tinea pedis on both feet (bilateral tinea pedis), it can affect your VA disability rating. Bilateral involvement usually leads to a higher rating because it has a greater impact on your ability to function.
How to file an athlete’s foot VA claim
Filing a VA claim can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable. Here’s how to file a claim for tinea pedis (athlete’s foot):
- Complete VA Form 21-526EZ. This is the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. You can find it online or get help filling it out at your local VA office.
- Gather supporting documents. You’ll need evidence to back up your claim. This includes:
- Medical records showing your current diagnosis and treatment history for athlete’s foot.
- Service records documenting any events during your military service that might be related to your condition (e.g., deployments to humid environments, communal showers).
- A medical nexus letter. This is crucial! It’s a statement from a doctor linking your athlete’s foot to your military service.
- Submit your claim and documents. You can submit your claim online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
After you submit your claim, the VA will review it. You may be asked to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam with a VA doctor. This exam helps the VA assess the severity of your condition. Once the VA has all the information, they’ll make a decision on your claim and send you a letter explaining their decision.
Tinea Pedis Treatment: Restoration and Prevention
If you have a mild case of tinea pedis, you can usually clear it up with topical antifungal creams and solutions, available over the counter. More severe cases might require oral antifungal medications, prescribed by your doctor.
To prevent the fungus from coming back, be sure to:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear shoes that let your feet breathe.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms and showers.
Taking these simple steps can help you kick that fungus to the curb and keep it away for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is toe fungus a big deal?
While often considered a cosmetic issue, toenail fungus can cause significant discomfort and pain. Left untreated, it can worsen, leading to difficulty walking, secondary infections, and even permanent nail damage. It’s definitely something to address, especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes.
Does VA pay for toenail fungus?
The VA may cover treatment for toenail fungus if it’s service-connected. This means if your toenail fungus is a result of, or aggravated by, your military service, you could be eligible for VA healthcare benefits to treat it. You’ll need to file a claim to determine eligibility.
Can I join the military with toenail fungus?
Having toenail fungus can potentially be disqualifying for military service, depending on the severity and how it responds to treatment. It falls under the medical standards for enlistment, and a waiver may be required. It’s best to discuss this with a military recruiter for the most up-to-date information.
What is the maximum VA rating for neuropathy?
The maximum VA disability rating for neuropathy varies depending on the severity and the nerve(s) affected. It can range from 10% to 70% or higher per extremity, based on the degree of sensory loss and motor impairment. The exact rating is determined by a VA medical examination.
Is it OK to live with toenail fungus?
While some people choose to live with toenail fungus, it’s generally not recommended. Besides the potential for pain and discomfort, it can spread to other nails or even other people. Furthermore, it can be a sign of underlying health issues, so it’s always best to seek medical advice and treatment options.
Wrapping Up
If you’re a veteran with toenail fungus, also known as tinea pedis, it’s important to understand that your service might be the reason you have this condition, and to be aware of conditions like gout that may mimic or exacerbate toenail fungus. If so, you’re entitled to receive treatment and may be able to get VA disability benefits.
Make sure to get a diagnosis from a doctor and gather any evidence that links your toenail fungus to your time in the military. The VA provides benefits to compensate veterans for disabilities caused by their service, and toenail fungus is no exception, which is why understanding the appropriate Nail Disorder ICD-10 codes is vital for processing claims. Seeking medical care and submitting a well-documented claim is the first step in getting the benefits you deserve.