Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5320: Muscle Group XX. Spinal Muscles (Postural Support) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.73
- Rating range
- 0% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Muscle injuries
The VA rates Muscle Group XX. Spinal Muscles (Postural Support) under diagnostic code 5320 in 38 CFR § 4.73. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5320 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight What raters look forslight |
| 10% | Moderate, cervical and thoracic region What raters look formoderate; cervical/thoracic |
| 20% | Moderately severe (cervical and thoracic); moderate (lumbar) What raters look formoderately severe; moderate lumbar |
| 40% | Severe (cervical and thoracic); moderately severe (lumbar) What raters look forsevere; moderately severe lumbar |
| 60% | Severe, lumbar region What raters look forsevere; lumbar |
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5320?
Diagnostic code 5320 is the VA rating schedule entry for Muscle Group XX. Spinal Muscles (Postural Support), found in 38 CFR § 4.73. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5320?
DC 5320 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5320 require?
The 60% rating for Muscle Group XX. Spinal Muscles requires: Severe, lumbar region.
Other muscle injuries codes
All 16 muscle injuries codes →- DC 5301Muscle Group I. Shoulder Girdle
- DC 5302Muscle Group II. Shoulder Girdle
- DC 5303Muscle Group III. Shoulder Girdle
- DC 5305Muscle Group V. Elbow Flexion
- DC 5306Muscle Group VI. Elbow Extension
- DC 5310Muscle Group X. Foot Movements
- DC 5311Muscle Group XI. Calf (Ankle/Foot Propulsion)
- DC 5312Muscle Group XII. Anterior Leg (Dorsiflexion)
Claim Raven is not legal or medical advice and is not an official VA application. Rating criteria are quoted from 38 CFR Part 4; the VA applies them to your specific record.
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