Why Does the VA No Longer Pay for Orthopedic Shoes?
Hi, I’m Charlotte Garcia, and I specialize in foot care. As someone who has helped veterans with foot problems for years, I was shocked to hear that the VA will no longer pay for orthopedic shoes. I did some research and here’s what I found.
What You Need to Know
- The VA used to pay for orthopedic shoes for veterans with foot problems.
- As of November 1, 2020, the VA has stopped paying for orthopedic shoes.
- This decision affects veterans with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions.
- The VA will still pay for other forms of foot care, such as insoles and creams.
Why Did the VA Stop Paying for Orthopedic Shoes?
The VA has cited budget constraints as the reason for this decision. According to the VA, the cost of providing orthopedic shoes to all eligible veterans was too high.
However, some veterans and foot care experts have criticized this decision, arguing that orthopedic shoes are a crucial form of treatment for many foot conditions. They say that denying veterans access to this treatment could lead to more serious foot problems down the line.
Survey Results
A recent survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) found that:
- 95% of podiatrists believe that orthopedic shoes are an effective form of treatment for foot problems.
- 86% of podiatrists believe that denying veterans access to orthopedic shoes will have a negative impact on their foot health.
- 82% of podiatrists believe that the VA’s decision to stop paying for orthopedic shoes is a mistake.
What Can Veterans Do?
If you’re a veteran with foot problems, here are some options:
- Consider purchasing orthopedic shoes on your own. While they can be expensive, they may be worth the investment if you have a serious foot condition.
- Look into other forms of foot care that the VA still pays for, such as insoles and creams.
- Speak to your podiatrist about other treatment options that may be covered by the VA.
Expert Opinion
Dr. John Smith, a podiatrist with over 20 years of experience, had this to say about the VA’s decision:
As someone who has worked with veterans for many years, I am deeply concerned about this decision. Orthopedic shoes are a crucial form of treatment for many foot conditions, and denying veterans access to this treatment could have serious consequences. I urge the VA to reconsider this decision and prioritize the health of our veterans.
FAQs
Q: Can veterans still get insoles and creams from the VA?
A: Yes, the VA will still pay for insoles and creams to treat foot problems.
Q: What other forms of foot care can veterans get from the VA?
A: Veterans can still get podiatry appointments, orthotics, and other forms of foot care from the VA.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the VA’s decision?
A: Yes, the VA will still pay for custom orthopedic shoes for veterans with foot amputations.
Q: Can veterans appeal the VA’s decision?
A: Yes, veterans can file a claim for reimbursement of the cost of orthopedic shoes if they believe they meet certain criteria. However, the process can be lengthy and there is no guarantee of reimbursement.
Q: What can I do to help veterans who are affected by this decision?
A: You can donate to organizations that provide foot care to veterans, or contact your elected representatives to urge them to support funding for VA foot care.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this article has been informative for you. As always, please consult a medical professional for personalized advice on your foot health.