How the VA Rates Tibia & Fibula Impairment
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5262 (Impairment of Tibia and Fibula) criteria a VA rater evaluates Tibia & Fibula Impairment against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic code 5262
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5262 (Impairment of Tibia and Fibula) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
10%
$180.42/month
Malunion of the tibia and fibula with slight knee or ankle disability.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Healed leg fracture/deformity with mild residual
- Slight limitation or pain at the knee or ankle
- Aching with prolonged standing/walking
20%
$356.66/month
Malunion of the tibia and fibula with moderate knee or ankle disability.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Moderate knee or ankle dysfunction from the leg deformity
- Noticeable limp or limitation
- Difficulty with stairs and uneven ground
30%
$552.47/month
Malunion of the tibia and fibula with marked knee or ankle disability.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Marked knee or ankle disability from the leg malunion
- Significant gait disturbance
- Substantial limitation of standing and walking
40%
$795.84/month
Nonunion of the tibia and fibula, with loose motion, requiring a brace.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Nonunion (bone has not healed) with loose motion
- Requires a brace for the leg
- Severe instability and functional loss
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
C&P exam tips for Tibia & Fibula Impairment
- What wins this rating: imaging showing malunion or nonunion, plus an exam grading the resulting knee OR ankle disability as slight, moderate, or marked — the associated joint disability drives the percentage.
- Bring X-rays/CT confirming the fracture healing pattern (malunion vs. nonunion).
- Document whether a brace is required (key for the 40% nonunion level).
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are often rated by analogy here — describe pain with weight-bearing and activity.
Common mistakes on Tibia & Fibula Impairment claims
- Not having imaging that distinguishes malunion from nonunion.
- Failing to document the degree of knee or ankle disability that results from the leg condition.
- Not noting brace use when present.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Tibia & Fibula Impairment?
Tibia & Fibula Impairment is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5262 (Impairment of Tibia and Fibula) — diagnostic code 5262.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Tibia & Fibula Impairment?
40% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Tibia & Fibula Impairment. The criteria at that level describe: Nonunion of the tibia and fibula, with loose motion, requiring a brace.
How much does a 40% VA rating for Tibia & Fibula Impairment pay in 2026?
$795.84 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
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Start your claim — freeEducational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.