VA Rating Criteria — DC 5313
The VA rates Muscle group XIII injury under Diagnostic Code 5313 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Group XIII.Extension of hip and flexion of knee; outward and inward rotation of flexed knee; acting with rectus femoris and sartorius (see XIV, 1, 2) synchronizing simultaneous flexion of hip and knee and extension of hip and knee by belt-over-pulley action at knee joint.(1) Biceps femoris; (2) semimembranosus; (3) semitendinosus Function: Posterior thigh group, Hamstring complex of 2-joint muscles.
Rating schedule — DC 5313 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.73
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
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 Muscle group XIII injury?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight |
| 10% | Moderate |
| 30% | Moderately Severe |
| 40% | Severe |
“Moderately Severe”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Muscle group XIII injury in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5278Claw foot (pes cavus), acquiredRated up to 50%
- 5279Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5280Hallux valgus, unilateralRated up to 10%
- 5281Hallux rigidus, unilateral, severeRated up to 0%
- 5282Hammer toeRated up to 10%
- 5283Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion ofRated up to 30%
- 5284Foot injuries, otherRated up to 30%
- 5296Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tablesRated up to 80%
- 5297Ribs, removal ofRated up to 50%
- 5298Coccyx, removal ofRated up to 10%
Common Questions About Muscle group XIII injury VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Muscle group XIII injury?
The VA rates Muscle group XIII injury under Diagnostic Code 5313 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 40% rating requires: Severe.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Muscle group XIII injury?
The VA rates Muscle group XIII injury under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5313, 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 Muscle group XIII injury?
A 0% rating requires: Slight. A 40% rating requires: Severe. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Muscle group XIII injury qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Muscle group XIII injury 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 Muscle group XIII injury?
The key evidence for Muscle group XIII injury 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 Muscle group XIII injury?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5313 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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