Shin Splints VA Ratings

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), commonly known as shin splints, is prevalent among veterans. A 2024 review study examined 35 other studies and reported that the incidence of shin splints is commonplace in military recruits, ranging from 35% to 56%.  

Shin splints can be painful and frustrating. But what many veterans may not know is that shin splints can also have disabling, long-term effects, particularly when linked with military service. Shin splints can impact your daily activities, work, and quality of life.  

The good news? You may be eligible for VA compensation.  

This post examines shin splints VA ratings, including how the VA evaluates your disorder, common service-connected conditions linked with shin splints, and valuable tips for strengthening your claim.

Key Takeaways

• Shin Splints VA ratings are 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30%, under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5262.

• Common primary service-connected conditions that may be linked with shin splints include flat feet, and knee pain. 

• Successful VA claims for shin splints must show a current diagnosis, a service-related cause (i.e., a nexus), and medical documentation of a current diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. 

• A nexus letter can help to establish service connection for shin splints VA disability.  

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints refer to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (i.e., the tibia), typically triggered by repetitive stress. It’s a common injury among runners, dancers, and particularly among military service members.  

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop within weeks or months after repetitive strenuous training, but they could start after a single rigorous workout. Shin splints can take 3 to 6 months to heal completely, but in severe cases, they can last for months or even years. 

Shin splints may cause: 

• Tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner shin 

• Mild swelling in the lower leg 

• Pain that worsens during exercise 

Causes

Many veterans suffer from shin splints, particularly after years of ruck marches, running drills, or other physical training modalities, and symptoms often persist post-service. 

In veterans, shin splints often result from the physical demands of military training and activities, such as those encountered during basic training and long ruck marches. 

How the VA Rates Shin Splints

The VA evaluates shin splints under its 38 CFR § 4.71a – Schedule of Ratings—Musculoskeletal System rating table, DC 5262. 

A VA rating for shin splints is based on severity, duration of treatment, and how responsive the condition is to conservative treatment or surgery. 

Shin Splints VA Rating Chart

VA Rating Table Terminology

The types of treatment modalities described in the VA rating table above include: 

• Surgery: A fasciotomy is the typical procedure to relieve pressure around the calf muscle. Small incisions are made in the fascia (i.e., tissue surrounding the calf muscles) to relieve pressure and reduce pain.   

• Orthotics: Orthotics are shoe inserts designed to help stabilize and align the foot and ankle, relieving some of the stress on the lower leg.   

• Conservative treatment: This type of treatment includes rest, ice application, compression, and elevation of the affected leg (also known as the RICE method), along with the use of pain relievers and adjustments to activity levels. It also involves proper footwear and lower leg strengthening exercises.  

Bilateral Shin Splints VA Rating

When both legs are affected and meet the VA’s 30% criteria, the “bilateral factor” may be applied, resulting in a higher disability rating, increased monthly compensation, and other benefits. 

Tips for Strengthening Your Shin Splints VA Disability Claim

The following tips on your disability claim’s submission will strengthen your VA shin splints disability rating decision: 

• Provide a current medical diagnosis of “Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome” from a licensed healthcare provider. 

• Show evidence of a “nexus” (i.e., a link to your military service and shin splints), showing an in-service event or injury that caused or aggravated your shin splints (e.g., physical training, long ruck marches). 

• Document details on the frequency and severity of your pain. 

• Show proof of conservative treatments you’ve undertaken in the past and present, including the effectiveness of each treatment (e.g., ice, rest, massage, orthotics, medication, etc.). 
  
• Submit a Nexus Letter, written by a licensed provider, showcasing how your shin splints were caused or worsened by your military service. 

Pro Tip: A Nexus Letter should include verbiage such as explaining that your condition was ‘as least as likely as not’ caused or worsened by your military service.

VA Ratings for Common Conditions Linked with Shin Splints

Shin splints are often linked to other service-connected conditions. The VA may award a secondary service connection if another disability causes or worsens your shin splints.  

Applying for secondary service connection may be advantageous when you can’t show a nexus, connecting shin splints to your military service.  

Common conditions linked with shin splints include flat feet, knee pain, and other overuse injuries. 

Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Flat feet can cause overpronation, which puts extra stress on the lower legs and increases the risk of shin splints.  

Veterans with flat feet may receive a VA disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5276, ranging from 0% to 50%, depending on severity. 

Knee Pain

Knee pain from problems like arthritis or patellofemoral syndrome (i.e., a painful condition also called “runner’s knee”), patellar tendinitis (i.e., inflammation of the kneecap tendon), can lead to or worsen shin splints.  

The VA assigns ratings for knee conditions under DC 5256, 5257, 5260, and 5261, with possible ratings from 0% to 60% based on instability, or loss of motion. 

Overuse Injuries

Repetitive strain from running, rucking, or marching can lead to shin splints, and other overuse injuries (e.g., foot and ankle instability or weakness injuries) may worsen the severity of shin splints.  

The VA uses various diagnostic codes depending on the location and type of injury, including: 

• DC 5284 – Foot injuries rated at 10% to 30% 

• DC 5270 and 5271 – Ankylosis of the ankle and limited motion rated from 10% to 40% 

Ratings vary depending on factors such as the severity of the condition and other factors. 

Additional Conditions Linked with Shin Splints

• Weight gain and obesity (obesity does not have a DC, but veterans are eligible to seek VA disability benefits for conditions directly resulting from or exacerbated by a service-related injury, disability, or condition, when obesity is an intermediate step). 

• Hip conditions 

• High arches (Pes Cavus) 

• Plantar fasciitis (i.e., an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot)   

Conclusion

Shin splints are not just a temporary annoyance; they’re a serious condition that can cause long-term consequences if left untreated, particularly for veterans.  

Whether you’re filing a primary or secondary VA claim, understanding the rating system, gathering the proper evidence, and submitting a strong claim, along with a high-quality nexus letter, can increase your chances for success. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are shin splints a VA disability?

Yes, shin splints are a recognized VA disability rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5262, with a possible VA rating for shin splints ranging from 0% to 30%, based on the length of treatment and the veteran’s responsiveness. 

What is the medical term for shin splints?

The official term for shin splints is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). 

What is the highest VA rating for bilateral shin splints?

The highest VA rating for shin splints on both legs is 30%, which includes treatment for 12 or more months and unresponsiveness to surgery, orthotics, or conservative treatment. 

Can shin splints be caused by another service-connected condition?

Yes. Common secondary links that cause or exacerbate (i.e., worsen) shin splints include flat feet, knee conditions, and other overuse injuries such as those of the ankle or foot.

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?  

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims! 

Schedule your FREE 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.