Muscle Group XX VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5320 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group XX consists of the spinal muscles including the sacrospinalis (erector spinae), longissimus, spinalis, and the deep muscles along the spine such as the multifidus and rotatores. These muscles extend, rotate, and laterally bend the spine, and they are essential for maintaining upright posture. Damage to these muscles from penetrating wounds, blast injuries, or severe back trauma can cause chronic pain, postural instability, and profound limitations in almost every physical activity since the spine is involved in virtually all movements.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Severe injury with major loss of spinal muscle function and postural support. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury affecting the cervical or lumbar region with significant paraspinal muscle damage. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some loss of spinal extension strength or endurance. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the back muscle injury
- Treatment and surgical records
- Spine range of motion measurements
- Documentation of paraspinal muscle spasm, atrophy, or tenderness
- Statements about difficulty with prolonged standing, sitting, bending, and lifting
C&P Exam Tips
- Have the examiner document paraspinal muscle spasm and tenderness
- Report how long you can sit and stand before pain or fatigue sets in
- Describe limitations with bending, twisting, and lifting
- Mention if you need to change positions frequently due to back muscle fatigue
- Show any scarring from the original wound
How to File
File under DC 5320 specifying which spinal region is affected (cervical or lumbar). Note that spinal conditions can also be rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, and VA should apply whichever method provides the higher rating.
Common Mistakes
Not distinguishing between muscle injury rating and spinal joint rating — VA should use whichever is higher Failing to document which spinal region the muscles were injured in Not reporting paraspinal spasm which supports the severity of muscle damage Missing radiculopathy claims when nerves are also affected
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my back condition be rated as a muscle injury or a spinal condition?
If the primary problem is muscle damage from a wound, DC 5320 may apply. If the primary problem is disc disease, arthritis, or range of motion loss, the spinal joint codes may apply. VA should rate under whichever code provides the higher percentage. You do not need to choose — VA is supposed to evaluate under both and give you the better result.
Can combat back injuries be rated under this code?
Yes. Penetrating wounds to the back that damaged the paraspinal muscles are rated under DC 5320 based on the severity of the muscle injury. Blast concussion injuries that damaged these muscles can also qualify.