If you’re enrolled in VA health care and your VA clinician says therapeutic footwear is medically necessary, the VA can provide it through its Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic Clinical Services (OPPCS) and Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). Many Veterans qualify for two serviceable pairs when clinically appropriate.
Who at the VA Provides Shoes?
The VA’s Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic Clinical Services (OPPCS) team evaluates, measures, fits, and provides both custom and non-custom orthopedic/therapeutic shoes, inserts, and related devices. OPPCS clinicians include prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, therapeutic shoe fitters, orthotic fitters, and more.
Good to know: Your VA care team chooses the footwear solution that best meets your medical needs — not every Veteran needs the same device.
Why Vets Get Referred (Diabetes, Swelling, PAVE Program)
Veterans with diabetes, neuropathy, PAD, deformities, pressure points, or swelling/edema are often referred for a therapeutic footwear evaluation. The VA’s PAVE program (Prevention of Amputation in Veterans Everywhere) identifies at-risk Veterans and routes them to appropriate foot care and protective footwear.
- Assessment may include your foot risk, sensation, circulation, deformity, and skin integrity.
- If footwear is medically necessary, your clinician can prescribe and refer you to OPPCS for fitting.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Pedors Through the VA
- Make (or request) a VA appointment with primary care or podiatry. Explain your foot issues and ask for a therapeutic footwear evaluation.
- Evaluation & prescription: If your VA clinician determines footwear is medically necessary, they’ll prescribe and refer you to OPPCS for measuring and fitting.
- Bring our VA Catalog to your visit — it includes SAM, CAGE, UEI, EIN, product codes, and ordering details to streamline procurement.
- Ask about “two serviceable pairs” if clinically appropriate (e.g., daily wear + alternate).
- Follow-up & replacements: OPPCS will handle adjustments, follow-ups, and future needs as appropriate.
Will the VA Pay for My Shoes?
If you’re enrolled in VA care and your VA clinician documents therapeutic footwear as medically necessary, the VA can provide it through OPPCS/PSAS — this isn’t limited to one diagnosis like diabetes. Your care team will determine the best solution for your needs.
VA Clothing Allowance Explained
The clothing allowance is a separate VA benefit. It pays an annual amount if a service-connected device (e.g., brace) or prescribed skin medication irreparably damages your outer clothing. Many Veterans who qualified in recent years receive recurring payments; timing and rules apply.
- Typically qualify by August 1 for that year; payments usually issue in the early fall.
- Use VA Form 10-8678 if you need to apply or request changes.
- Ask your local prosthetic representative about your eligibility and timelines.
Note: Clothing allowance is not “free shoes”; it addresses clothing damage from a service-connected device or medication.
For VA Clinicians & Purchasing Teams
- What we provide: Depth-inlay and stretch-upper orthopedic footwear designed to accommodate swelling, deformities, orthoses, and very wide widths.
- Compliance & identifiers: Our VA Catalog includes SAM, CAGE, UEI, EIN, product codes/SKUs, and ordering details.
- Fit support: Sizing, volume/width guidance, and documentation for OPPCS fitters (pedorthists, therapeutic shoe fitters, orthotists).
Quick Answers (FAQ)
Who qualifies for VA orthopedic or diabetic shoes?
Any enrolled Veteran whose VA clinician determines therapeutic footwear is medically necessary. Diabetes is common, but not the only reason.
How do I start — podiatry, shoe clinic, or OPPCS?
Start with primary care or podiatry. If footwear is needed, they’ll prescribe and refer you to OPPCS for measurement and fitting.
What is the PAVE program?
PAVE (Prevention of Amputation in Veterans Everywhere) identifies at-risk Veterans (e.g., diabetes, PAD, neuropathy) and routes them to foot care and protective footwear.
When is the VA clothing allowance paid?
It’s an annual benefit; many payments are issued in the early fall. Check with your prosthetic representative for specific timelines and whether you need to submit VA Form 10-8678.
Can the VA provide two pairs of shoes?
When clinically appropriate, VA policy allows for two serviceable pairs of therapeutic footwear. Your care team decides what’s right for you.
Sample Script to Use at Your VA Visit
“I’m having [swelling/neuropathy/deformity/pain] and would like a therapeutic footwear evaluation. Pedors shoes accommodate swelling and inserts well. Here’s their VA Catalog with SAM/CAGE/UEI and SKUs to simplify ordering.”
Why Pedors Works for Swollen Feet
Stretch uppers, very wide widths, depth-inlay designs, and foot-friendly closures that accommodate edema and orthoses — trusted by clinicians and Veterans since 1997.
Not Enrolled in VA Care or Not Eligible?
Contact us about our in-house Veterans discount program on 800 750 6729 or support@pedors.com. We’ll help you get comfortable, with or without VA coverage.
Important Notes & Disclaimers
- This page is informational only; your VA care team determines medical necessity and benefits eligibility.
- Policies and timelines can change; your local VA prosthetic representative has the final word for your case.
- The clothing allowance is separate and applies to service-connected devices/meds that damage outer clothing.
Request VA Catalogs
Choose which catalogs you’d like (VA Catalog for Clinicians & Purchasing, Consumer Catalog for Veterans & Families) — or select both.