VA Diagnostic Code 5326Muscle hernia, extensive. Without other injury to the muscleâ10
A single 10% rating under § 4.73. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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Muscle hernia, extensive. Without other injury to the muscleâ10
Muscle Hernia (Extensive) — VA Diagnostic Code 5326
Body System: Muscle Injuries Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.73 Diagnostic Code: 5326
What This Condition Is
A muscle hernia occurs when a portion of muscle pushes through a weakened area of the surrounding connective tissue (fascia) that normally holds it in place. Under VA Diagnostic Code 5326, this entry specifically addresses an extensive muscle hernia without other injury to the muscle — meaning the hernia itself is the condition being rated, and there is no separate underlying muscle injury being evaluated alongside it.
This condition is rated under the VA's schedule for muscle injuries, found in 38 CFR § 4.73.
Available Rating Level
Diagnostic Code 5326 provides a single rating level:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Muscle hernia, extensive, without other injury to the muscle |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a claim under Diagnostic Code 5326, the VA considers:
- Whether the muscle hernia is extensive in nature.
- Whether the condition exists without other injury to the muscle — this diagnostic code applies to the hernia on its own, not in combination with a separate muscle injury.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5326. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome. Every claim is evaluated based on individual medical evidence and applicable VA regulations.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.73, diagnostic code 5326. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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File under diagnostic code 5326 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Muscle Injuries codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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