Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

DC 5262Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5262

Pain along the shinbone caused by overuse, common in military training from running and marching. The VA rates shin splints by analogy to impairment of the tibia and fibula based on how much the condition affects your knee or ankle.

Rating Levels

You have shin splints with moderate knee or ankle disability. Your condition causes significant pain during and after activity with noticeable functional impairment.

What the VA looks for

Moderate knee or ankle disability documented
Significant pain during and after activity
Functional impairment affecting walking or running
Treatment records showing ongoing care

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the in-service connection — shin splints are extremely common during basic training and military service. Make sure your service treatment records document the condition.
⚠Not getting a bone scan or imaging — X-rays may appear normal with shin splints, but a bone scan can show periosteal stress changes that support your claim.
⚠Shin splints are rated by analogy (not a direct diagnostic code), so the C&P examiner must clearly describe how your condition compares to impairment of the tibia/fibula.
⚠Not documenting how shin splints affect your daily activities — describe how pain limits walking, standing, running, and exercise.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic shin splints can lead to altered gait, causing knee, hip, and back problems.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Knee and Lower Leg Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…