Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5321)

The VA rates Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration under Diagnostic Code 5321 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 20% rating requires: Severe or Moderately Severe.

Diagnostic Code 5321 is the VA rating identifier for Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration 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 XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration under DC 5321 is 20%. This tier requires: Severe or Moderately Severe. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Group XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration 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 XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5321. 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 XXI.Respiration.Thoracic muscle group Function: Muscles of respiration 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 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 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.