Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

Physical EligibleVETS Act 2026

Also known as: Shin SplintsMedial tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, is pain along the inner edge of the shinbone caused by repeated stress to the bone and surrounding tissue. It is very common in veterans due to running, marching, and other weight-bearing training activities during service. SoP 96 and 97 of 2023.

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment ()Shin splints are on the PAMT list. You may be able to get treatment while your claim is being assessed.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Shin Splints, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Running or jogging an average of at least 30 kilometres per week for the 4 weeks before the condition started or worsened
Weight-bearing exercise involving repeated lower leg activity at moderate-to-high intensity (at least 5 METs) for at least 4 hours per week for at least 4 weeks — examples include marching, sustained brisk walking, football, and dancing
A rapid increase in frequency, duration, or intensity of weight-bearing lower leg activity by at least 100 percent, to at least moderate intensity, for at least 2 hours per day within the 2 weeks before the condition started or worsened
Having flat feet (pes planus) on the affected side before the condition started or worsened
Not being able to get appropriate treatment for shin splints before the condition worsened

Reference: SoP No. 96 of 2023 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 97 of 2023 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that prolonged running, marching, or sustained weight-bearing lower leg activity during service — with clinical onset within a relevant period — is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that shin splints were caused or materially contributed to by weight-bearing activities during service.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Clinical diagnosis of medial tibial stress syndrome or shin splintsA diagnosis from your GP, sports medicine doctor, or physiotherapist. Imaging (bone scan or MRI) can confirm but is not always required for diagnosis.How to get it: See your GP and describe your lower leg pain. Ask for a written diagnosis.Estimated time: 1-3 weeks

Service records showing physical demands on lower legsDocumentation of running, marching, route marches, physical training, and other sustained weight-bearing activities during service.How to get it: Request from Defence Archives: 1800 333 362. Allow 6-8 weeks. Check MyService first.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Medical nexus report linking shin splints to service activitiesA written opinion from your doctor stating that your shin splints were caused or contributed to by the running, marching, or physical training you did during service.How to get it: Ask your treating doctor: "Can you provide a written statement linking my shin splints to the physical demands of my military service?"Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

The SoP factors include specific thresholds for running volume and training intensity — describe your activities in terms of distances, hours, and frequency
A sudden increase in training load (such as recruit training or pre-deployment workups) is a recognised factor — mention any rapid changes in activity level
If you have flat feet, mention this to your doctor as it is a separate SoP factor
If both legs are affected, you can claim each side separately

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your shin splints to the physical demands of your military service.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for shin splints. During my service I regularly ran and marched long distances as part of training and operations. Could you write a report linking my condition to these activities?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe the physical demands on your lower legs during service, when your shin pain started, and how it has affected you since.

Suggested structure

Running and marching activities — distances and frequency per week
Physical training routine — type and intensity
Any rapid increases in training load (recruit training, courses, pre-deployment)
Type of terrain and footwear used
When shin pain first started and what you were doing at the time
Any in-service treatment or time off physical activity due to shin pain
Current impact on your daily life

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not quantifying running or marching distances
✗Not mentioning sudden changes in training intensity

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Shin Splints, and how to avoid them.

Not quantifying the running or marching distancesDescribe how far you ran or marched per week, how often, and over what period. The SoP threshold is at least 30 km per week for 4 weeks.

Confusing shin splints with a stress fractureAsk your doctor to confirm whether your diagnosis is medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) or a stress fracture. If it is a stress fracture, the fracture SoP applies instead.

Not mentioning the sudden increase in trainingDescribe any sudden changes in your training load, such as starting recruit training, a new posting with higher physical demands, or pre-deployment workups.

Treatments DVA may cover

Physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation program
Rest and activity modification
Supportive footwear and orthotics
Pain management (anti-inflammatory medication)
Shockwave therapy if indicated
Gradual return-to-activity program

Next steps to consider

If your condition is permanent and stable, consider a Permanent Impairment claim
If both legs are affected, claim each side separately
Consider claiming related conditions (knee, foot, or back) that may have developed due to altered gait or compensatory movement

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

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Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

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Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)

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