Muscle Injuries§ 4.73Updated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 5311Group XI. Function: Propulsion, plantar flexion of foot (1); stabilization of arch (2, 3); flexion of toes (4, 5); Flexion of knee (6). Posterior and lateral crural muscles, and muscles of the calf: (1) Triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus); (2) tibialis posterior; (3) peroneus longus; (4) peroneus brevis; (5) flexor hallucis longus; (6) flexor digitorum longus; (7) popliteus; (8) plantaris

Rated from 0% to 30% under § 4.73. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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The ladder

What each rating requires

The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.

  1. 30%

    Severe

  2. 20%

    Moderately Severe

  3. 10%

    Moderate

  4. 0%

    Slight

VA Disability Rating: Muscle Group XI Injuries (Diagnostic Code 5311)

Understanding Muscle Group XI Injuries

Muscle Group XI covers the posterior and lateral crural muscles and the muscles of the calf. These muscles are responsible for several important movements in the lower leg and foot, including:

  • Propulsion and plantar flexion of the foot (pointing the foot downward)
  • Stabilization of the arch of the foot
  • Flexion of the toes
  • Flexion of the knee

The muscles in this group include:

  1. Triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus)
  2. Tibialis posterior
  3. Peroneus longus
  4. Peroneus brevis
  5. Flexor hallucis longus
  6. Flexor digitorum longus
  7. Popliteus
  8. Plantaris

Because these muscles power essential functions like walking, standing, and balancing, an injury to Muscle Group XI can affect mobility and everyday activity.

This condition is rated under the Muscle Injuries body system, in accordance with § 4.73 of the VA rating schedule, using Diagnostic Code 5311.

Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating for Muscle Group XI injuries based on the severity of the muscle injury. The rating levels are:

RatingSeverity of Injury
30%Severe
20%Moderately Severe
10%Moderate
0%Slight

What the VA Looks For

When rating a Muscle Group XI injury, the VA evaluates the severity of the muscle injury, classifying it as slight, moderate, moderately severe, or severe. The classification of severity determines which rating level applies.

This information is intended for general educational purposes and reflects the rating framework for Diagnostic Code 5311 under § 4.73. It does not constitute legal advice, and it does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.73, diagnostic code 5311. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.

  1. Find your level in the stack

    Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.

  2. Name the gap

    Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.

  3. Claim it by code

    File under diagnostic code 5311 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Muscle Injuries codes may cover your secondary conditions.

Find out which rating your evidence supports.

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