Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints
The VA rates Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints under Diagnostic Code 5262 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Tibia and fibula, impairment of.
Rating schedule — DC 5262 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities |
| 10% | Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one or both lower extremities |
| 20% | Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one lower extremity |
| 30% | Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, both lower extremities |
| 40% | Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace |
“Requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one lower extremity”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5257Knee, other impairment ofRated up to 30%
- 5258Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of “locking,” pain, and effusion into the jointRated up to 20%
- 5259Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomaticRated up to 10%
- 5260Leg, limitation of flexion ofRated up to 30%
- 5261Leg, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5263Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)Rated up to 10%
- 5269Plantar fasciitisRated up to 30%
- 5270Ankle, ankylosis ofRated up to 40%
- 5271Ankle, limited motion ofRated up to 20%
- 5272Subastragalar or tarsal joint, ankylosis ofRated up to 20%
What to do with a Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints rating
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints?
The VA rates Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints under Diagnostic Code 5262 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities. The maximum 40% rating requires: Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints?
The VA rates Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5262, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 40% rating for Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints?
A 0% rating requires: Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities. A 40% rating requires: Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints?
The key evidence for Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Tibia or fibula impairment, including shin splints?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5262 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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