VA Disability Benefits for Losing a Leg

VA loss of limb compensation is available to veterans who have lost a leg, foot, or toes from service-related injuries or illnesses. The monthly disability benefit is based on the exact location of amputation or the loss of functionality in the lower extremities. Many injuries are related to the use of IEDs and other explosive devices in combat and areas of conflict. More often, a veteran faces limb loss from an illness or condition connected to their time in service. 

Losing a limb during military service 

Military service carries the risk of traumatic injuries and illnesses that can lead to lower extremity limb loss. A 2020 study found the VA experienced a 34% increase in veterans receiving care for limb loss between 2009 and 2019. 

Service members can suffer a limb loss/amputation in conflict zones from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosions, commonly seen in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, outside of a combat zone, veterans can require amputations related to a number of illnesses either directly or indirectly tied to their military duty including accidental causes. 

For example, the same study noted the number of amputations in veterans is expected to grow because of the prevalence of diabetes among veterans. Medical advancements have improved survival rates in patients needing amputations and have also led to minor amputations becoming more common than major, above-knee amputations. 

VA loss of limb compensation for legs and feet 

Service members who have lost a leg or foot receive disability ratings based on how much of the limb has been lost. 

The complete amputation of a leg including removal of the femur and any portion of the pelvic bone is rated at 100%. Ratings decrease from there, depending on the amount that is removed and whether a prosthesis can be used. 

Here are the VA disability ratings for losing a leg:

Description	VA rating
Complete amputation of the leg including removal of femur and any portion of pelvic bones	100%
Complete amputation of the leg including removal of femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature only	90%
Amputation of upper-third of leg, from perineum to knee joint	80%
Amputation of middle or lower third of leg	60%
When a defective stump is present and thigh amputation is recommended	60%
When an amputation is not improved by a prosthesis or the retention of natural knee action	60%
Amputation of leg underneath the knee, allowing for a prosthesis	40%
Loss of foot	40%

VA disability ratings for losing toes

The ratings for loss of toes range from 30%, 20% to 10% depending on the numbers of toes lost, whether the metatarsal (the bones connecting the foot to the ankle) was involved, or the big toe was removed. 

These are the VA disability ratings for losing toes: 

Description	VA rating
Amputation of all toes, without metatarsal loss	30%
Amputation of great toe…  …with removal of metatarsal head …without metatarsal involvement	30% 10%
Amputation of one or two toes other than the great toe, with removal of metatarsal head	20%
Loss of three or four toes, without metatarsal involvement… …including big toe …not including big toe	20% 10%

VA amputation rule 

The VA amputation rule essentially caps the disability benefits a veteran can receive. The combined rating for a veteran’s disabilities because of extremity issues can’t exceed the rating of an amputation (in the event one is performed.) 

For example, the VA rates amputations below the knee at 40%. So the benefits a veteran can receive for extremity disabilities below the knee can’t exceed the 40% threshold. 

Special monthly compensation for losing a leg 

In addition to regular disability benefit payments, the VA provides special monthly compensation (SMC) to veterans who suffer limb loss.

SMC payments are determined using many factors including: 

• The number of limbs or extremities lost 
• The extent a veteran can use remaining limbs or extremities 
• If the veteran can use a prosthesis 
• If a veteran requires help performing daily personal tasks (aid and attendance)

Individual unemployability for a lost leg

Disabled veterans who were injured during military service and who can’t maintain gainful employment are eligible for individual unemployability benefits, which are paid at the same level as a 100% disability rating. In order to qualify, the vet must have at least one 60% rating for a single disability, or if more than one disability, a combined rating of 70% with one of the conditions rated at least at 40%. 

Even if you do not currently meet these rating levels, in rare cases you may be able to obtain what is known as extraschedular TDIU.

Permanent and total disability 

The VA automatically awards permanent total disability (P&T) for service-related conditions if a veteran’s injuries are rated at 100% and are not expected to improve. Veterans who have lost the use of one hand and one foot, both feet or both hands are among those who are granted P&T. 

Unlike regular disability benefits, a permanent rating is not subject to a re-evaluation or reduction because it is not expected to improve.

Loss of use of legs and feet

In some cases, a veteran might lose functionality in their legs and feet, but their injuries don’t require amputation. The loss of use of both feet is eligible for SMC and P&T in addition to disability compensation. 

The loss of use of a single foot is rated at 40% (code 5167). The ratings schedule also factors in the extent of a veteran’s paralysis, and whether a prosthetic can aid a veteran in increasing functionality. 

Bilateral factor 

Veterans with service-connected injuries to matching limbs on both sides of their body can qualify for an extra percentage of rating called the bilateral factor. It is an additional rating to make up for the extra difficulties of disability in two matching limbs. 

While calculating the bilateral factor is complicated, it is important to note the additional rating works in the veteran’s favor. Our own VA disability calculator makes estimating your monthly payments much easier by factoring in the ratings schedule and the bilateral factor.

How The VA Disability Bilateral Factor Affects Veterans Ratings

How surgery affects VA disability

Military amputees recovering from surgery at VA hospitals and VA regional amputation centers can apply for VA amputee benefits if their condition is service-connected. 

Veterans could be eligible to receive a temporary disability rating after surgery if the surgery involved a recovery time of one month or more and:

• Your surgical wounds haven’t yet healed, or they’re not healing correctly.
• You have a stump as the result of a recent amputation.
• You require a splint or cast to facilitate proper healing.
• You are or have been confined to your house as a result of surgery.
• You are required to use crutches or a wheelchair for mobility.

The benefits of temporary disability rating after surgery include healthcare coverage, compensation for living expenses during recovery, and a temporary disability rating of 100%.

Filing a claim for VA benefits

If you have lost a limb as a result of your military service, you can file a claim for VA disability benefits. You will need to provide evidence linking the cause to your time in service, especially in situations where limb loss occurred in non-combat situations. 

If you would like help with your claim, contact the team at Woods and Woods for guidance. We never charge veterans for help filing the initial application. Our team works diligently to submit your application correctly, allowing you to avoid the lengthy VA disability appeals process.

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Hiring a veterans benefits attorney

Hiring an experienced VA disability lawyer will help you avoid delays from improperly completed paperwork. The Woods and Woods team works hard to stay on top of disability benefit changes and develop innovative case strategies. We’re proud to have represented thousands of veterans with a comprehensive team of lawyers, case managers, and legal analysts. 

Contact us and start your application today.

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