DC 5315Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.73

Muscle Group XV Injury — VA Rating (DC 5315)

The VA rates Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group under Diagnostic Code 5315 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 30%. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 5315 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
30%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%

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 XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group?

RatingCriteria
0%

Slight

10%

Moderate

20%

Moderately Severe

30%

Severe

Moderately Severe

These diagnostic codes sit next to Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group 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.

  1. 5278Claw foot (pes cavus), acquiredRated up to 50%
  2. 5279Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateralRated up to 10%
  3. 5280Hallux valgus, unilateralRated up to 10%
  4. 5281Hallux rigidus, unilateral, severeRated up to 0%
  5. 5282Hammer toeRated up to 10%
  6. 5283Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion ofRated up to 30%
  7. 5284Foot injuries, otherRated up to 30%
  8. 5296Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tablesRated up to 80%
  9. 5297Ribs, removal ofRated up to 50%
  10. 5298Coccyx, removal ofRated up to 10%
All 139 musculoskeletal conditions

Common Questions About Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group?

The VA rates Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group under Diagnostic Code 5315 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 30% rating requires: Severe.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group?

The VA rates Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5315, 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 30% rating for Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group?

A 0% rating requires: Slight. A 30% 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 XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group qualify for TDIU?

Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group?

The key evidence for Group XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group 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 XV.Adduction of hip (1, 2, 3, 4); flexion of hip (1, 2); flexion of knee (4).(1) Adductor longus; (2) adductor brevis; (3) adductor magnus; (4) gracilis Function: Mesial thigh group?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5315 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.

Get a Personalized Rating Analysis

VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.

Discover Your Benefits