Muscle Group XII VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5312 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group XII includes the anterior muscles of the lower leg, primarily the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, and peroneus tertius. These muscles lift the foot and toes during walking, preventing the foot from dragging on the ground. They are essential for the swing phase of walking when the foot needs to clear the ground. Damage to these muscles can cause foot drop, where the foot slaps the ground with each step because it cannot be lifted properly.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Severe injury with major loss of dorsiflexion power approaching or causing foot drop. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury with significant dorsiflexion weakness. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some weakness in dorsiflexion or toe extension. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the anterior lower leg injury
- Treatment and surgical records
- Ankle dorsiflexion and toe extension strength testing
- Documentation of foot drop if present, including gait analysis
- Records of braces such as ankle-foot orthoses prescribed
C&P Exam Tips
- Have the examiner test your ability to lift your foot and toes against resistance
- Describe any foot slapping or tripping when walking
- Report whether you wear an ankle-foot orthosis or brace
- Demonstrate your walking pattern so the examiner can observe any gait abnormality
- Show visible muscle wasting on the front of the lower leg if present
How to File
File under DC 5312 with evidence of the anterior leg muscle injury and dorsiflexion testing. If you have foot drop, make sure it is clearly documented along with any bracing you use.
Common Mistakes
Not distinguishing between muscle-caused foot drop and nerve-caused foot drop — the nerve condition is rated under different codes Failing to document the use of an ankle-foot orthosis which supports severity Not describing the tripping and fall risk associated with weak dorsiflexion Missing the nerve injury claim if both muscle and nerve damage are present
Frequently Asked Questions
What is foot drop?
Foot drop is the inability to lift the front part of the foot during walking, causing it to drag or slap against the ground. It can result from muscle damage in this group or from nerve damage to the peroneal nerve. The cause matters for coding purposes — muscle damage is rated here while nerve damage is rated under a nerve code.
What is an ankle-foot orthosis?
An ankle-foot orthosis is a brace that fits inside your shoe and extends up the back of your calf. It holds the foot in a lifted position to prevent foot drop during walking. Using one provides strong evidence of significant dorsiflexion weakness.