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 Rating Criteria (38 CFR 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 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight. The maximum 60% rating requires: Severe.

Diagnostic Code 5320 is the VA rating identifier 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 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 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 DC 5320 is 60%. This tier requires: Severe. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to 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 or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

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 rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5320. 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 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 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 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 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.