Muscle Group XVII VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5317 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group XVII includes the pelvic girdle muscles that extend the hip, primarily the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. These are the large buttock muscles responsible for hip extension, standing upright from a bent position, climbing, and maintaining pelvic stability during walking. They are among the most powerful muscles in the body and are essential for virtually all upright activities. Military injuries from penetrating wounds to the buttock area, blast injuries, and falls can damage these muscles.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Severe bilateral injury affecting both sides with profound pelvic instability. |
| 40% | Severe injury with major loss of hip extension power and difficulty maintaining upright posture. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury with significant gluteal weakness. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some loss of hip extension strength or pelvic stability. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the buttock or pelvic muscle injury
- Treatment and surgical records
- Hip extension strength testing
- Assessment of Trendelenburg gait if present
- Statements about difficulty with standing, walking, climbing, and sitting comfort
C&P Exam Tips
- Have hip extension and abduction strength tested against resistance
- Report difficulty rising from seated positions without using your arms
- Describe any Trendelenburg gait where the pelvis drops on the opposite side during walking
- Mention problems sitting for prolonged periods due to tissue loss in the buttock area
- Show any visible muscle wasting or deformity in the gluteal area
How to File
File under DC 5317 with evidence of the gluteal muscle injury and hip extension testing. If the injury involved nerves in the buttock area such as the sciatic nerve, file that as a separate condition.
Common Mistakes
Not having hip extension and abduction specifically tested Failing to document a Trendelenburg sign during walking which indicates significant gluteal weakness Missing sciatic nerve damage claims when the buttock wound likely injured the nerve as well Not reporting sitting discomfort from tissue loss in the buttock area
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Trendelenburg gait?
A Trendelenburg gait occurs when the gluteal muscles on one side are too weak to support the pelvis during the opposite leg's swing phase. The pelvis drops on the unsupported side, creating a distinctive waddling or lurching pattern. This is a strong indicator of significant gluteal muscle damage.
Can gluteal muscle injuries affect sitting?
Yes. When significant muscle tissue is lost from the buttock area due to injury, sitting on hard surfaces becomes uncomfortable or painful because there is less cushioning over the sit bones. This is a functional limitation that should be documented in your claim.