Muscle Group XV VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5315 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group XV includes the mesial (inner) thigh muscles responsible for adduction of the hip, meaning pulling the leg inward toward the midline of the body. This group includes the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis. These muscles stabilize the pelvis during walking, allow you to cross your legs, and control lateral movement. They are important for maintaining balance and smooth gait. Military injuries from penetrating wounds to the inner thigh can damage these muscles.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Severe injury with major loss of adductor function. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury with notable adduction weakness and pelvic instability. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some weakness in hip adduction. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the inner thigh muscle injury
- Treatment and surgical records
- Hip adduction strength testing
- Gait assessment showing lateral instability if present
- Statements about difficulty with walking stability, crossing legs, and lateral movements
C&P Exam Tips
- Have adduction strength specifically tested — push your knees together against resistance
- Describe any lateral instability or waddling gait
- Report difficulty with activities requiring leg crossing or squeezing motions
- Show any scarring or muscle loss on the inner thigh
- Mention if the weakness affects your balance during walking
How to File
File under DC 5315 with evidence of the inner thigh muscle injury and adduction strength testing results.
Common Mistakes
Not having adduction specifically tested — examiners often focus on flexion and extension only Failing to describe the impact on walking stability and balance Not documenting groin pain if present, which is the area where adductor problems are felt Missing associated nerve or vascular damage from inner thigh injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
What does adduction mean?
Adduction means pulling your leg inward toward the midline of your body. It is the movement of squeezing your legs together. The adductor muscles on the inner thigh perform this movement and also stabilize your pelvis while walking.
Are groin strains rated under this code?
A groin strain is essentially an adductor muscle injury and could qualify under DC 5315 if it occurred during military service and resulted in permanent muscle impairment. The key is demonstrating lasting weakness or damage, not just an acute strain that healed.