Muscle Group XIV VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5314 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group XIV consists of the anterior thigh muscles, primarily the quadriceps group: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius, along with the sartorius. These are the largest and most powerful muscles in the body, responsible for straightening the knee and stabilizing it during standing and walking. They are essential for rising from a seated position, climbing stairs, walking, and absorbing shock when landing from a jump. Military injuries from thigh wounds, blast fragments, and direct trauma frequently affect this muscle group.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Severe injury with major loss of quadriceps function and knee stability. |
| 30% | Moderately severe injury with significant quadriceps weakness affecting walking and stair climbing. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some loss of knee extension strength or quadriceps endurance. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the anterior thigh injury
- Treatment and surgical records
- Knee extension strength testing comparing both legs
- Thigh circumference measurements comparing both sides
- Statements about difficulty with standing from chairs, climbing stairs, and walking
C&P Exam Tips
- Have knee extension strength formally tested and compared between legs
- Request thigh circumference measurements to document quadriceps atrophy
- Describe difficulty rising from low chairs, toilets, and car seats
- Report how far you can walk before the thigh gives out
- Show any visible quadriceps wasting or deformity
How to File
File under DC 5314 with evidence of the quadriceps injury and knee extension strength testing. Thigh circumference measurements objectively demonstrate muscle mass loss. If the injury also caused nerve damage, file that separately.
Common Mistakes
Not measuring thigh circumference to objectively show muscle atrophy Failing to document the impact on stair climbing and rising from seats which are key quadriceps functions Not claiming knee instability caused by quadriceps weakness Missing femoral nerve damage claims when nerve and muscle were injured together
Frequently Asked Questions
How is quadriceps strength tested?
The examiner has you sit on the edge of a table and straighten your knee against their hand resistance. They grade the strength on a 0 to 5 scale and compare both legs. Any difference indicates muscle impairment on the weaker side.
Can quadriceps atrophy from disuse after a knee injury be rated?
If the knee injury is service-connected and led to disuse atrophy of the quadriceps, the muscle wasting may be rated as part of the knee condition or separately under DC 5314 if it causes distinct functional limitations beyond what the knee rating covers.