For many veterans, athlete’s foot is not a short-term irritation but a chronic condition that disrupts daily life. Persistent itching, cracked skin, pain while walking, and recurring infections can limit mobility and worsen other health problems. When tinea pedis is linked to military service, it may qualify for VA disability compensation.
A VA-accredited medical examiner explained, “Skin conditions like tinea pedis are often underestimated, but chronic cases can be medically significant and deserving of compensation when properly documented.”
This guide explains how the VA rates tinea pedis, including bilateral cases, what evidence is required, and how veterans can file a strong claim.
Overview: Tinea Pedis VA Ratings at a Glance
| Category | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Condition Name | Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) |
| VA Diagnostic Code | 7813 (rated under DC 7806) |
| Possible Ratings | 0%, 10%, 30%, 60% |
| Rating Factors | Body area affected and treatment type |
| Bilateral Cases | May support higher ratings |
| Common Causes in Service | Prolonged boot wear, damp conditions, shared showers |
| Eligible Veterans | Those with service connection and medical evidence |
What Is Tinea Pedis?
Tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the feet, typically starting between the toes and thriving in warm, moist environments. Symptoms include itching, burning, scaling, cracking, and redness. In more severe cases, the infection spreads to the soles or heels and can lead to bacterial infections or toenail fungus.
A podiatrist who treats veterans noted, “Once tinea pedis becomes chronic, it often requires repeated or ongoing treatment and can significantly affect mobility.”
Why Veterans Are Especially Affected?
Military service creates ideal conditions for fungal infections. Heavy boots, excessive sweating, limited opportunities to dry feet, and shared shower facilities all increase exposure risk.
Veterans who served aboard ships, in field environments, or during long deployments frequently report that symptoms began during service and never fully resolved. After separation, reduced mobility, diabetes, or neuropathy can make the condition worse.
One retired service member described it simply: “My feet were wet for most of the day in boots. Once the infection started, it never really went away.”
How the VA Rates Tinea Pedis?
The VA evaluates tinea pedis as dermatophytosis under Diagnostic Code 7813, using the General Rating Formula for the Skin under Diagnostic Code 7806. Ratings depend on how much of the body is affected and the type of treatment required over a 12-month period.
VA Disability Ratings for Tinea Pedis
| VA Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | More than 40% of body or exposed areas affected, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy |
| 30% | 20–40% of body affected, or systemic therapy for 6 weeks or more |
| 10% | 5–20% of body affected, or intermittent systemic therapy |
| 0% | Less than 5% affected, topical treatment only |
A former VA rating specialist explained, “Treatment type matters just as much as surface area. Oral or systemic medications often support higher ratings than topical creams alone.”
Bilateral Tinea Pedis and VA Compensation
When athlete’s foot affects both feet, the VA considers the overall functional impact. Bilateral cases often cause greater pain, balance problems, and walking limitations.
While each foot is not rated separately, medical records showing involvement of both feet can support a higher overall rating. Veterans should ensure providers document bilateral symptoms clearly.
Proving Service Connection
To receive compensation, veterans must establish service connection by showing:
- A current medical diagnosis of tinea pedis
- An in-service exposure or aggravation
- A medical nexus linking the condition to service
A VA clinician familiar with skin claims stated, “Veterans who can show symptoms began during service or shortly after discharge often have strong cases, especially when treatment has been ongoing.”
Nexus letters and treatment records play a critical role in meeting this requirement.
How to File a Strong VA Claim?
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Gather Evidence | Medical records, diagnosis, photos, treatment history |
| File VA Form 21-526EZ | Clearly explain symptoms and service exposure |
| Submit Claim | Online, by mail, or in person |
| Attend Exams | Cooperate fully with VA examinations |
| Review Decision | Check rating and reasoning carefully |
Veterans should document flare-ups, treatment frequency, and how the condition affects standing, walking, or work activities.
Common Reasons Veterans Receive Lower Ratings
Claims are often underrated due to limited documentation, failure to report flare-ups, or lack of evidence showing systemic treatment. Secondary conditions such as toenail fungus or skin infections may also go unclaimed.
As one veterans’ advocate put it, “The VA can only rate what is clearly documented. If it’s not in the record, it usually doesn’t count.”
Final Thought
Tinea pedis may sound trivial, but for many veterans it is a chronic, service-connected condition that affects comfort, mobility, and health. When properly documented, it can qualify for meaningful VA disability compensation.
Understanding the rating criteria, gathering strong medical evidence, and clearly explaining how symptoms affect daily life can significantly improve outcomes. Veterans earned their benefits through service, and even common conditions deserve proper evaluation.
FAQs
Can you get a VA disability rating for tinea pedis?
Yes, if you have a diagnosis, service connection, and supporting medical evidence.
What ratings are available for athlete’s foot?
VA ratings range from 0% to 60%.
Does bilateral tinea pedis matter for ratings?
Yes, involvement of both feet may support higher compensation.
What treatment supports higher VA ratings?
Systemic treatments such as oral medications often support higher ratings.
Can tinea pedis lead to secondary VA claims?
Yes, complications like toenail fungus or infections may be claimable.
