Evidence checklist

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

DC 533138 CFR § 4.73Musculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Saved locally

No target rating to pick. 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5331 (prints no percentages; each affected muscle group is graded under 38 CFR 4.56 and the evaluations are combined under 38 CFR 4.55 and 4.25) prints no percentages — this condition is rated on its residuals, under whichever schedule covers the damage. The whole checklist below is shown. See where the residuals are rated.

Specialist opinion

Highest value

Compartment pressure testing documentationCritical

Records of intracompartmental pressure measurements confirming elevated pressures, either at rest or exercise-induced, consistent with compartment syndrome.

Private provider · independent opinion

Nexus opinion linking compartment syndrome to serviceCritical

A medical opinion stating it is "at least as likely as not" that your compartment syndrome is connected to military activities such as running, road marching, or repetitive high-impact training.

Private provider · independent opinion

Treatment records

Documentation of exercise-induced symptoms

Medical records or personal statement documenting pain, tightness, numbness, or weakness that occurs during physical activity and resolves with rest.

VA or private records · written request

Treatment records (fasciotomy, physical therapy, medications)

Records documenting surgical intervention (fasciotomy), physical therapy, activity modifications, and medications used to manage the condition.

VA or private records · written request

Lay statements

Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →

Benefits questionnaire

Completed DBQ Muscle InjuriesCritical

Standardized form capturing the affected muscle group, functional limitations, and residual effects of compartment syndrome.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →

Service records

Military activity records (running, marching, training)

Service records showing duty assignments, physical fitness requirements, or specific events involving prolonged running, marching, or high-impact activities that caused or aggravated the condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks for C&P exam prepWhat the examiner will ask Buddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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