How the VA Rates Tibia & Fibula Impairment
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.71a, 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.
38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5262 (Impairment of Tibia and Fibula)
Tibia & Fibula Impairment · 5 levels
- 40%$795.84a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 20%$356.66a month
- 10%$180.42a month
- 0%$0 · still service-connected
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5262 (Impairment of Tibia and Fibula)
- Diagnostic code
- 5262
- Levels in the schedule
- 0% · 10% · 20% · 30% · 40%
- Top level (40%) pays
- $795.84/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, 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.
- 40%
$795.84/month
Nonunion of the tibia and fibula, with loose motion, requiring brace.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Nonunion (bone has not healed) with loose motion
- Requires a brace for the leg
- 30%
$552.47/month
MTSS / 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.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Both legs: 12+ consecutive months of treatment
- Not responding to surgery AND to orthotics or other conservative treatment
- 20%
$356.66/month
MTSS / 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.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- One leg: 12+ consecutive months of treatment
- Not responding to surgery AND to orthotics or other conservative treatment
- 10%
$180.42/month
MTSS / 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.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Shin splints treated for 12+ consecutive months
- Not responding to shoe orthotics or other conservative treatment
- 0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints: treatment less than 12 consecutive months, one or both lower extremities. (Malunion of the tibia and fibula is not rated on a DC 5262 scale — it is evaluated under DC 5256, 5257, 5260, or 5261 for the knee, or 5270 or 5271 for the ankle, whichever results in the highest evaluation.)
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Shin splints treated for less than 12 consecutive months
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
- 1What wins this rating: imaging that shows whether the bones are in NONUNION (40% if loose motion requires a brace) or MALUNION — malunion is rated by the knee or ankle limitation it causes (DC 5256/5257/5260/5261 or 5270/5271), whichever is highest.
- 2Bring X-rays/CT confirming the fracture healing pattern (malunion vs. nonunion).
- 3Document whether a brace is required (key for the 40% nonunion level).
- 4Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) have their own schedule under DC 5262 — document how many consecutive months you have been treated and whether orthotics, other conservative treatment, and surgery failed.
Common mistakes on Tibia & Fibula Impairment claims
- Not having imaging that distinguishes malunion from nonunion.
- For malunion, not having the knee and ankle range of motion measured — those measurements set the rating.
- For shin splints, not documenting 12 or more consecutive months of treatment.
- 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 § 4.71a, 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 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.
Build your Tibia & Fibula Impairment claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.