Claim Raven explanation
What this means
This section defines a specific loss-of-use situation involving severe damage to both sides of Muscle Group XVII and additional functional disability. It looks at the ability to rise from seated or stooped positions and maintain postural stability.
The required assistance can include use of the person's own hands or arms, or an appliance for stability. The complete combination of findings matters; one difficulty with standing does not by itself establish this definition.
How this helps your claim
This helps you identify the examination details needed to understand this uncommon rating issue. Focus on documented muscle damage and the actual assistance required for the listed movements.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Find the diagnosis and severity findings for both Muscle Group XVII regions.
- Review observations of rising from seated and stooped positions.
- Check documentation of postural stability and the assistance or appliance required.
Document rising and maintaining stability
The defined situation involves both the specified muscle damage and additional functional findings. Records about getting up from a chair, rising from a stooped position and maintaining posture can help describe those requirements in ordinary terms.
Be precise about assistance, including use of the hands or arms and any stabilizing appliance. A statement that standing is difficult may not explain whether the full combination is present. Keep the medical identification of the muscle injury separate from the personal description of how daily movements are performed.
Does needing a handrail by itself establish this loss of use?
No. The regulation describes a specific combination of severe bilateral muscle damage and functional disability. An aid or difficult movement can be relevant evidence, but it does not establish every condition. Read the full definition with the examination rather than applying it from one observation.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 4.64
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 4.64 Loss of use of both buttocks.
Loss of use of both buttocks shall be deemed to exist when there is severe damage to muscle Group XVII, bilateral (diagnostic code number 5317) and additional disability rendering it impossible for the disabled person, without assistance, to rise from a seated position and from a stooped position (fingers to toes position) and to maintain postural stability (the pelvis upon head of femur). The assistance may be rendered by the person's own hands or arms, and, in the matter of postural stability, by a special appliance.
Related references
- 38 CFR § 4.1: What a VA disability rating measures
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
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