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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

RatingCriteria
0% Slight What raters look forslight muscle injury
10% Moderate, cervical and thoracic region What raters look formoderate, cervical and thoracic region
20% Moderately severe (cervical and thoracic region); moderate (lumbar region) What raters look formoderately severe, cervical and thoracic; moderate, lumbar
40% Severe (cervical and thoracic region); moderately severe (lumbar region) What raters look forsevere, cervical and thoracic; moderately severe, lumbar
60% Severe, lumbar region What raters look forsevere, lumbar region

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.

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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. Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1