Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints) at 20% VA Disability Rating

Data last updated September 23, 2026

Shin splints in one leg that have been treated for at least a year and have not responded to surgery or to orthotics or other conservative care.

20% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents

$356.66

$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.

The full 20% pay chart, with dependents Combine this rating with others

VA Rating Criteria for 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.

20% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation at a 20% combined rating. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.

Single (no dependents)

$356.66

Lower tier

10% Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints)

$180.42 /mo single

Higher tier

30% Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints)

$552.47 /mo single

Common questions about 20% for Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints)

How much does a 20% VA rating for Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints) pay?

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 20% combined rating, a single veteran receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.

What does it take to get a 20% rating for Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints)?

What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints)?

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. 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.

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?

Yes, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints) gets its own rating, which VA combines with your other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25, so your combined rating can end up higher than 20%.

Official sources

38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5262)
VA.gov, 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025

Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on September 22, 2026.

How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.

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Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Tibia and Fibula, Impairment of (Including Shin Splints) are on the main condition page.

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