---
title: "DC 5262 - Tibia and fibula, impairment of:"
diagnostic_code: "5262"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5262-tibia-and-fibula-impairment-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:03:40.250510Z"
---

# DC 5262 - Tibia and fibula, impairment of:

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

Malunion of: Evaluate under diagnostic codes 5256, 5257, 5260, or 5261 for the knee, or 5270 or 5271 for the ankle, whichever results in the highest evaluation.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 40% | Nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring brace |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 0% | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints: Treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities |

# Tibia and Fibula Impairment (VA Diagnostic Code 5262)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5262 covers impairment of the **tibia and fibula** — the two long bones of the lower leg. This rating category addresses several types of impairment, including:

- **Nonunion** of the bone, where a fracture fails to heal properly and can result in loose motion that requires a brace.
- **Malunion**, where the bone heals in an improper position.
- **Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)**, also commonly known as **shin splints**.

Because these impairments can affect either the knee or the ankle, the VA rates them in the way that best reflects the impact on your leg.

## How the VA Rates Tibia and Fibula Impairment

### Malunion

For malunion of the tibia and fibula, the VA evaluates the condition under the diagnostic codes for the **knee** (5256, 5257, 5260, or 5261) or the **ankle** (5270 or 5271), whichever results in the **highest evaluation**.

### Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **40%** | Nonunion of the tibia and fibula, with loose motion, requiring a brace. |
| **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 — in **both** lower extremities. |
| **20%** | 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 — in **one** lower extremity. |
| **10%** | MTSS or shin splints requiring treatment for no less than 12 consecutive months, and unresponsive to either shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment — in **one or both** lower extremities. |
| **0%** | MTSS or shin splints with treatment for less than 12 consecutive months — in **one or both** lower extremities. |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating impairment of the tibia and fibula, the VA considers factors such as:

- **Whether there is nonunion** of the bone, and if it involves loose motion that requires a brace.
- **Whether there is malunion**, which is rated under the related knee or ankle codes for the highest applicable evaluation.
- **For MTSS or shin splints**, the **duration of treatment** — specifically whether treatment has continued for no less than 12 consecutive months.
- **How the condition has responded to treatment**, including whether it is **unresponsive to surgery**, **shoe orthotics**, or **other conservative treatment**.
- **Whether one or both lower extremities** are affected.

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*This information is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5262. Individual ratings depend on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a