Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

DC 5312Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5312

Increased pressure in a muscle compartment causing pain during exercise, commonly in the lower legs. Very common in military runners and marchers. The VA rates chronic exertional compartment syndrome by analogy to muscle injury of the affected muscle group.

Rating Levels

You have chronic exertional compartment syndrome with moderately severe symptoms causing significant activity limitation. You experience severe leg pain with minimal exercise, and your ability to walk even moderate distances is impaired. Conservative treatment has been inadequate.

What the VA looks for

Significantly elevated compartment pressures on testing
Severe pain with minimal exertion documented
Failed conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy, orthotics)
Consideration of or completion of fasciotomy surgery
Marked limitation in walking distance and exercise tolerance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting compartment pressure testing — this is the objective test that proves elevated pressures and is critical for establishing the diagnosis.
⚠Not connecting the condition to military running, marching, or other high-impact training activities.
⚠Being told it is just shin splints — compartment syndrome is a distinct and more serious condition that requires pressure testing to differentiate.
⚠Not documenting specific exercise limitations — describe exactly how far you can walk or run before pain becomes disabling.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Muscle Injuries

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Significantly elevated compartment pressures on testing
Severe pain with minimal exertion documented
Failed conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy, orthotics)
Consideration of or completion of fasciotomy surgery
Marked limitation in walking distance and exercise tolerance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting compartment pressure testing — this is the objective test that proves elevated pressures and is critical for establishing the diagnosis.

⚠Not connecting the condition to military running, marching, or other high-impact training activities.

⚠Being told it is just shin splints — compartment syndrome is a distinct and more serious condition that requires pressure testing to differentiate.

⚠Not documenting specific exercise limitations — describe exactly how far you can walk or run before pain becomes disabling.