Muscle Group VII VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5307 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group VII includes the flexor muscles of the wrist and fingers located on the inside of the forearm. These muscles control wrist bending, finger curling, and grip strength. They are critical for grasping, holding, typing, writing, and virtually any task requiring hand dexterity. Injuries to these muscles affect your ability to grip objects firmly and perform fine motor tasks. Military injuries commonly result from forearm wounds, crush injuries, and lacerations.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Severe injury to the dominant arm. Non-dominant severe is rated 20 percent. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury to the dominant or non-dominant arm. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with reduced grip strength or wrist flexion power. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the forearm muscle injury
- Treatment records including surgical repairs of tendons or muscles
- Grip strength testing with a dynamometer comparing both hands
- Wrist and finger range of motion measurements
- Statements about difficulty with gripping, writing, and fine motor tasks
C&P Exam Tips
- Request grip strength testing with a dynamometer for objective measurement
- Describe difficulty holding objects, opening jars, and maintaining grip
- Report problems with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes or using tools
- Show any visible muscle loss or scarring on the inner forearm
- Mention your dominant hand status
How to File
File under DC 5307 with evidence of the forearm flexor muscle injury and grip strength measurements. A dynamometer reading provides the most objective evidence of grip strength loss.
Common Mistakes
Not getting objective grip strength measurements with a dynamometer Failing to describe the impact on hand function and fine motor tasks Not distinguishing between muscle injury and nerve injury — both may need separate claims Not specifying dominant hand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dynamometer test?
A dynamometer is a device you squeeze to measure grip strength in pounds or kilograms. The examiner has you squeeze it three times with each hand and compares the results. This provides objective evidence of strength loss that supports your claim.
Can tendon damage be rated under this muscle group code?
Yes. Tendon injuries in the forearm flexor muscles are generally rated under the corresponding muscle group code because the tendons are part of the muscle unit. However, if the tendon injury was to a specific finger, it might be rated under a hand or finger code instead.