Skip to main content

Evidence checklist

Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

DC 526238 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

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

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Orthopedic evaluation documenting medial tibial stress syndrome findingsCritical

Examination documenting diffuse tenderness along the posteromedial tibia, pain with exercise, and functional limitations. Shin splints are also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking shin splints to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your medial tibial stress syndrome to military training, including running on hard surfaces, marching, or intense physical conditioning.

Private provider · independent opinion
Bone scan or MRI differentiating shin splints from stress fracture

Three-phase bone scan showing diffuse linear uptake along the posteromedial tibial cortex (characteristic of MTSS) as opposed to focal uptake (stress fracture). MRI can show periosteal edema without cortical break.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (physical therapy, orthotics, activity modification)

Records documenting conservative management including rest, ice, physical therapy, orthotics, and gradual return to activity, and the response to treatment.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
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 →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Knee and Lower Leg ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing lower leg findings, pain, and functional limitations.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of intensive military training (running logs, unit PT records)

Service records documenting physical training requirements, distances run, terrain, and any in-service medical treatment for lower leg pain during training periods.

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

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.