Diagnostic Code 5262: Tibia/Fibula Impairment and Shin Splints (MTSS) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 0% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Tibia/Fibula Impairment and Shin Splints (MTSS) under diagnostic code 5262 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5262 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints: treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities What raters look fortreatment less than 12 consecutive months; one or both lower extremities |
| 10% | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints: requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, one or both lower extremities What raters look for12 consecutive months; unresponsive to orthotics or conservative treatment; one or both lower extremities |
| 20% | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints: 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 raters look for12 consecutive months; unresponsive to surgery; unresponsive to orthotics or conservative treatment; one lower extremity |
| 30% | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints: requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to surgery and either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment, both lower extremities What raters look for12 consecutive months; unresponsive to surgery; unresponsive to orthotics or conservative treatment; both lower extremities |
| 40% | Tibia and fibula, nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace What raters look fornonunion; loose motion; brace required |
DC 5262 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 1,078 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5262 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 29.5%, denied 46.1% and sent 24.4% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
By the rating the Board's order named
Only orders that state a rating percentage with a date are counted. An order denying a rating "in excess of 50 percent" names the existing rating; a grant may name the rating awarded. These are not all ratings veterans requested.
| Rating the order named | Decided rulings | Granted |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | 106 | 39.6% |
Recorded exam issues in remanded DC 5262 rulings
Percentages use all 263 rating rulings under this code the Board remanded, 2021 to 2026. Some rulings have no recorded exam classification, and small categories are not shown, so these rows need not total 100 percent.
- The VA exam or opinion was not adequate64.3%
- The exam was out of date or the condition had worsened22.4%
- No exam problem recorded7.2%
- VA had not given an exam or opinion3.8%
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5262 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome). The Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 3,649 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome), 2021 to 2026. The Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) appeals generally rather than DC 5262 specifically. The DC 5262 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5262?
Diagnostic code 5262 is the VA rating schedule entry for Tibia/Fibula Impairment and Shin Splints (MTSS), found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5262?
DC 5262 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5262 require?
The 40% rating for Tibia/Fibula Impairment and Shin Splints requires: Tibia and fibula, nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5262?
In 1,066 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5262 from 2021 to 2026, 29.3% were granted, 46.2% denied and 24.5% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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