If you’re a Veteran and have been denied your full benefits or are seeking to increase your VA disability rating for Ankle Instability, we’re here to help you fight back and win.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Ankle Instability
Ankle instability is a condition where your ankle frequently gives way, especially when walking on uneven ground or during physical activities. Ankle-foot injuries are common in the military, affecting about 16% of service members. For Veterans, ankle instability can be a lasting effect of these injuries. Knowing how the VA rates ankle instability as well as other ankle conditions is key to getting the full benefits you deserve.
How We Help You Win Your Ankle Instability VA Claim
Facing the pain and discomfort from ankle instability is difficult enough without having to go through months and often years of governmental red tape to get your benefits.
The VA system is designed to wear you down until you give up and go away, leaving you frustrated, angry, and worried about how you’re going to pay the bills.
At Tucker Disability Law, we specialize in helping Veterans understand and navigate the complexities of VA claims. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive accurate VA disability ratings for ankle instability so you can start receiving the benefits you need.
We also know that you can’t wait years to get those benefits.
That’s why we specialize in winning cases at the Regional Office level, getting you the compensation you need in a fraction of the time it takes those other disability law firms.
No Upfront Costs
We believe in earning your trust through results. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you get paid.
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Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Ankle Instability
How Veterans Develop Ankle Instability
Veterans often develop ankle instability due to sprains, fractures, or other injuries during service. Repeated stress on the ankle joint without proper healing time can lead to chronic instability. Over time, this can affect your ability to perform everyday tasks, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of further injury.
Here are some scenarios where ankle instability might develop:
- Parachuting Accidents: Landing incorrectly after a jump can lead to severe ankle injuries, including sprains, fractures, or ligament tears, which can cause long-term instability.
- Ruck Marches and Long-Distance Runs: The repeated stress from carrying heavy loads during ruck marches or long-distance runs can strain the ankles, leading to chronic instability over time.
- Combat Training and Operations: High-impact activities during combat training, such as running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction, can result in ankle sprains or fractures.
- Obstacle Courses: Navigating through obstacle courses often requires quick movements and balancing, which can easily lead to twisting or spraining an ankle, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Falls or Jumps from Heights: During training or operations, falls or jumps from significant heights, even with proper equipment, can lead to acute ankle injuries, contributing to instability.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing ill-fitting or inadequate footwear during intense physical activity can exacerbate the risk of ankle injuries, leading to long-term issues.
Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Ankle Instability
The VA rates ankle instability based on how much it limits your ability to move and function. Ankle instability often means that your ankle frequently gives out, making it hard to walk or stand for long periods. The VA uses a range of percentages to rate your condition, from 0% to 40%, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
For example, if your ankle instability is mild and doesn’t cause much pain or limitation, you might receive a 10% rating.
If it’s more severe, causing significant pain, swelling, or the need for a brace, you could receive a higher rating, like 20% or 30%.
The highest rating, 40%, is usually reserved for cases where the ankle is severely unstable, causing major issues with mobility.
Compared to other ankle conditions, like a simple sprain or a fracture that has healed, ankle instability might result in a higher rating if it significantly impacts your daily life. The VA takes into account how much your condition affects your ability to work and perform everyday tasks when deciding on your disability rating.
Secondary Conditions Related to Ankle Instability
Ankle instability can lead to other health issues that might also qualify for VA disability benefits. These can include:
- Knee Problems: Instability in the ankle can cause abnormal movement patterns, leading to stress and injury in the knees.
- Back Pain: Compensation for an unstable ankle often leads to improper posture and gait, which can result in chronic back pain.
- Hip Issues: Similar to knee problems, hip pain can develop from the body trying to compensate for ankle instability.
If you experience any of these secondary conditions, it’s important to include them in your claim as they can potentially increase your overall VA disability rating.
Additionally, if your ankle instability prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which allows you to receive benefits at the 100% disability rate even if your ankle instability rating is less than 100%.
Qualifying for TDIU:
- One disability rated at least 60%, or
- Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, with one disability rated at least 40%.
How Much Money Can You Get Monthly from VA Disability Benefits?
The amount you receive depends on your VA disability rating for your ankle instability.
The rating is a percentage measured by the severity of your service-connected condition. In other words, the more severe your condition, the higher your rating. If you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a special formula to combine them into one overall rating.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
These figures can increase if you have dependents or if your condition worsens over time. For more information, go to our VA Disability Compensation Page.
A higher rating not only means more financial support each month, it can also qualify you for additional benefits, such as increased access to VA healthcare services, vocational training and housing assistance.
Take the First Step Toward Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Dealing with ankle instability is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Tucker Disability Law, we are dedicated to helping Veterans secure the benefits they’ve earned.
Whether you need help navigating the VA’s rating system, appealing your denial, or applying for TDIU, we’re here for you.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Ankle Instability
