Muscle Group XIX Injury — VA Rating (DC 5319)
The VA rates Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall under Diagnostic Code 5319 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5319 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- 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%, 50%
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 Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight |
| 10% | Moderate |
| 30% | Moderately Severe |
| 50% | Severe |
“Moderately Severe”
Common Questions About Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall?
The VA rates Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall under Diagnostic Code 5319 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 50% rating requires: Severe.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall?
The VA rates Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5319, 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 50% rating for Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall?
A 0% rating requires: Slight. A 50% 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 Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall maxes at 50%, 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 XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall?
The key evidence for Group XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall 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 XIX.Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1).(1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum Function: Muscles of the abdominal wall?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5319 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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