Group XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front of the neck — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5322)

The VA rates Group XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front of the neck under Diagnostic Code 5322 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 30% rating requires: Severe.

Diagnostic Code 5322 is the VA rating identifier for Group XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front 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 XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front of the neck under DC 5322 is 30%. This tier requires: Severe. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Group XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front 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 XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front of the neck is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5322. 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 XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front 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 XXII.Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition.(Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the “hyoid” muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric Function: Muscles of the front 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.