Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

DC 5099-5262Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5099-5262

A condition where pressure builds up inside the muscle compartments of your legs during exercise, causing pain, tightness, and numbness that goes away when you rest. It is common in runners and soldiers who do a lot of marching or running. The VA rates chronic exertional compartment syndrome by analogy based on how much it limits your activity.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5099-5262

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5099-5262. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your compartment syndrome causes severe leg pain and neurological symptoms with minimal exertion, or you have had fasciotomy surgery with persistent residual symptoms. You cannot perform physical work or stand for prolonged periods.

What the VA looks for

Severe symptoms with minimal exertion (standing, short walks)
Post-fasciotomy residuals documented (scarring, persistent pain, weakness)
Nerve damage or foot drop from chronic compartment pressure
Inability to perform physical occupational tasks
Multiple compartments affected bilaterally documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting compartment pressure testing during exercise — the definitive test for this condition is pre- and post-exercise compartment pressure measurement. Resting pressures alone may be normal and do not prove the diagnosis.
⚠Not documenting how the condition started during military service — the VA needs evidence that the repetitive physical activity in service (running, rucking, marching) caused or aggravated the condition.
⚠Failing to claim bilateral involvement — chronic exertional compartment syndrome often affects both legs, and each leg can be rated separately.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions like shin splints, stress fractures, or gait abnormalities that developed because you changed how you walk to avoid pain.
⚠Not documenting post-fasciotomy residuals if you had surgery — surgical scars, persistent numbness, weakness, and continued symptoms after surgery should all be separately documented.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Musculoskeletal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5099-5262

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe symptoms with minimal exertion (standing, short walks)
Post-fasciotomy residuals documented (scarring, persistent pain, weakness)
Nerve damage or foot drop from chronic compartment pressure
Inability to perform physical occupational tasks
Multiple compartments affected bilaterally documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting compartment pressure testing during exercise — the definitive test for this condition is pre- and post-exercise compartment pressure measurement. Resting pressures alone may be normal and do not prove the diagnosis.

⚠Not documenting how the condition started during military service — the VA needs evidence that the repetitive physical activity in service (running, rucking, marching) caused or aggravated the condition.

⚠Failing to claim bilateral involvement — chronic exertional compartment syndrome often affects both legs, and each leg can be rated separately.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions like shin splints, stress fractures, or gait abnormalities that developed because you changed how you walk to avoid pain.

⚠Not documenting post-fasciotomy residuals if you had surgery — surgical scars, persistent numbness, weakness, and continued symptoms after surgery should all be separately documented.