Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5323)

The VA rates Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck under Diagnostic Code 5323 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 30% rating requires: Severe.

Diagnostic Code 5323 is the VA rating identifier for Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck under DC 5323 is 30%. This tier requires: Severe. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5323. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Group XXIII.Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements.Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles Function: Muscles of the side and back of the neck requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.