Diagnostic Code 5321: Muscle Group XXI. Thoracic Muscles (Respiration) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.73
- Rating range
- 0% to 20%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Muscle injuries
The VA rates Muscle Group XXI. Thoracic Muscles (Respiration) under diagnostic code 5321 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 5321 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight What raters look forslight muscle injury |
| 10% | Moderate What raters look formoderate muscle injury |
| 20% | Severe or moderately severe What raters look forsevere or moderately severe muscle injury |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Costochondritis. The Costochondritis condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Costochondritis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 425 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Costochondritis, 2021 to 2026. The Costochondritis condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Costochondritis appeals generally rather than DC 5321 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5321?
Diagnostic code 5321 is the VA rating schedule entry for Muscle Group XXI. Thoracic Muscles (Respiration), 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 5321?
DC 5321 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5321 require?
The 20% rating for Muscle Group XXI. Thoracic Muscles requires: Severe or moderately severe.
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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)