Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration
Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5321, from 0% to 20% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 20% rating requires: Severe or Moderately Severe. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 5321 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.73
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration?
Slight
Moderate
Severe or Moderately Severe
“Moderate”
Common Questions About Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration?
The VA rates Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration under Diagnostic Code 5321 at 0%, 10%, 20%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 20% rating requires: Severe or Moderately Severe.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration?
The VA rates Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5321, 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 20% rating for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration?
A 0% rating requires: Slight. A 20% rating requires: Severe or Moderately 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 XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration?
Service connection for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
What is the C&P exam like for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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