Muscle Group XX Injury — VA Rating (DC 5320)
The VA rates Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles under Diagnostic Code 5320 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 5320
Rating schedule — DC 5320 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.73
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
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 XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight |
| 10% | Moderate |
| 20% | Moderately Severe |
| 40% | Severe |
| 60% | Severe |
“Moderately Severe”
Common Questions About Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles?
The VA rates Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles under Diagnostic Code 5320 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 60% rating requires: Severe.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles?
The VA rates Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5320, 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 60% rating for Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles?
A 0% rating requires: Slight. A 60% 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 XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles?
The key evidence for Group XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles 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 XX.Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine.Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions) Function: Spinal muscles?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5320 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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