Muscle Group XVI VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5316 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group XVI includes the pelvic girdle muscles that flex the hip, primarily the psoas and iliacus. These deep muscles connect the lower spine to the upper thigh and are the primary hip flexors, responsible for lifting your knee toward your chest. They are essential for walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of vehicles, and transitioning from sitting to standing. Because they sit deep in the abdomen and pelvis, injuries to these muscles often result from penetrating abdominal or pelvic wounds.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Severe injury with near-complete loss of hip flexion power. |
| 30% | Moderately severe injury with major hip flexion impairment. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury with significant weakness in lifting the leg. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some loss of hip flexion strength. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the abdominal or pelvic wound
- Surgical records showing the extent of deep tissue damage
- Hip flexion strength testing
- Functional assessment of stair climbing and leg lifting ability
- Statements about difficulty with walking, stairs, and getting in and out of seats
C&P Exam Tips
- Have hip flexion strength tested specifically — lift your knee against resistance
- Describe difficulty climbing stairs and lifting your leg to step over obstacles
- Report problems getting in and out of vehicles and bathtubs
- Mention any compensatory movements you use to lift your leg
- Describe the original injury that damaged these deep muscles
How to File
File under DC 5316 with evidence of the pelvic or abdominal muscle injury and hip flexion testing. These muscles are deep and not visible, so objective strength testing is especially important.
Common Mistakes
Not having hip flexion strength specifically tested — it is often overlooked in standard examinations Failing to connect the abdominal or pelvic wound to the hip flexion weakness Not describing the functional limitations with stairs, vehicles, and transitions Missing the connection between psoas dysfunction and chronic low back pain
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the psoas and iliacus muscles located?
These muscles sit deep inside the body. The psoas originates along the lower spine and the iliacus lines the inside of the pelvis. They merge together and attach to the upper thighbone. Because of their deep location, they are typically injured by penetrating wounds to the abdomen or pelvis rather than surface injuries.
Can psoas tightness from prolonged sitting qualify?
Simple muscle tightness is generally not ratable as a muscle injury. However, if military service caused actual damage to the psoas such as from trauma, surgery, or infection, and that damage resulted in lasting impairment, it could qualify.