Muscle Group X VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5310 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group X includes the intrinsic muscles of the foot that control toe movements and help maintain the arch of the foot during walking. These muscles work together to grip the ground, stabilize the foot during the push-off phase of walking, and adjust balance on uneven surfaces. When damaged, the foot loses its ability to grip and stabilize, making walking on anything other than perfectly flat surfaces difficult and increasing the risk of falls.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Severe injury when plantar muscles are affected, reflecting the critical role of these muscles in weight bearing. |
| 30% | Severe injury with major loss of foot intrinsic muscle function. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some loss of toe function or arch stability. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the foot muscle injury
- Examination showing toe strength and arch function
- Documentation of any plantar muscle damage specifically
- Functional assessment of walking stability and balance
- Statements about difficulty with walking, balance, and standing
C&P Exam Tips
- Have the examiner test individual toe strength and gripping ability
- Describe instability when walking on uneven ground
- Report any collapse of the foot arch during standing or walking
- Mention balance difficulties and any history of falls
- Specify whether plantar muscles on the bottom of the foot are involved
How to File
File under DC 5310 with documentation of the foot muscle injury. Note that injuries involving the plantar muscles receive higher ratings due to their critical role in weight bearing.
Common Mistakes
Not specifying whether plantar muscles are involved, which affects the maximum rating Failing to have individual toe strength tested Not documenting arch collapse or instability during weight bearing Missing the connection between foot muscle weakness and balance problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do plantar muscle injuries receive higher ratings?
The plantar muscles on the bottom of the foot bear your full body weight with every step. Damage to these muscles directly impairs your ability to walk and stand, making them functionally more critical than the muscles on top of the foot.
How are foot muscle injuries different from foot bone injuries?
Muscle injuries involve damage to the soft tissue that produces movement, while bone injuries involve fractures or structural damage. They are rated under different code systems. Both can be present from the same incident and may warrant separate ratings.