Tibia and fibula, impairment of DC 5262
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5262 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Legs & feet.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 7 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
It affects one leg, so each side is rated on its own. When both sides are rated, VA adds the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
The schedule rates this as DC 5256 (Knee, ankylosis of) or DC 5257 (Knee instability) or DC 5260 (Knee (limited flexion)) or DC 5261 (Leg, limitation of extension of) or DC 5270 (Ankle, ankylosis of) or DC 5271 (Ankle (limited motion)).
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
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.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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