DC 5306Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.73

Muscle Group VI Injury — VA Rating (DC 5306)

The VA rates Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow under Diagnostic Code 5306 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 5306 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
40%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
5

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%

CFR section
§ 4.73

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

This diagnostic code covers a muscle group or general rating formula rather than a specific medical condition. The rating criteria below apply when the VA evaluates injuries to this muscle group.

What are the VA rating criteria for Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow?

RatingCriteria
0%

Slight; 0

10%

Moderate; 10

20%

Moderately Severe; 30

30%

Severe; 40

40%

Severe; 30

Moderately Severe; 30

Common Questions About Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow?

The VA rates Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow under Diagnostic Code 5306 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. The maximum 40% rating requires: Severe; 30.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow?

The VA rates Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5306, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 0% and a 40% rating for Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow?

A 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. A 40% rating requires: Severe; 30. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow qualify for TDIU?

Possibly. Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow?

The key evidence for Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Group VI.Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint).(1) Triceps; (2) anconeus. Function: Extensor muscles of the elbow?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5306 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.

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