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.
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In this article about VA loss of limb compensation for legs:
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% |
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 status in addition to disability compensation.
The loss of use of a single foot is rated at 40% (code 5167). The rating criteria considers the extent of a veteran’s paralysis and whether a prosthetic can aid a veteran in increasing functionality.
Additionally, for veterans who can and do opt out of an elective amputation, 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 without amputation can’t exceed the rating of an amputation.
Special monthly compensation for loss of 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.
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.
VA clothing allowance
Veterans with an amputation who use a prosthetic limb may be eligible for VA clothing allowance benefits. For veterans with prosthetics, the prosthetic must damage to qualify. This might look like ripping or tearing, quicker wear and tear, and so on. VA clothing allowances can be annual payments of up to approximately $1,000, or they may be a one time form of compensation. Veterans using a prosthetic who are interested in receiving a clothing allowance can apply online using VA form 10-8678.
How Woods & Woods can help
Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Service members facing the loss of a leg or foot receive disability ratings based on the location of the amputation. The complete amputation of a leg is eligible to receive a 100% disability rating. Ratings decrease from there, depending on the amount of extremity removed and whether a prosthesis can be used.
The ratings for lost 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.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
