---
title: "DC 5305 - Group V. Function: Elbow supination (1) (long head of biceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint); flexion of elbow (1, 2, 3). Flexor muscles of elbow: (1) Biceps; (2) brachialis; (3) brachioradialis"
diagnostic_code: "5305"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5305-group-v-function-elbow-supination-1-long-head-of-biceps-is"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:07:35.426551Z"
---

# DC 5305 - Group V. Function: Elbow supination (1) (long head of biceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint); flexion of elbow (1, 2, 3). Flexor muscles of elbow: (1) Biceps; (2) brachialis; (3) brachioradialis

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | Severe |
| 30% | 20% | Moderately Severe |
| 10% | 10% | Moderate |
| 0% | 0% | Slight |

# VA Disability Rating: Muscle Group V Injuries (Diagnostic Code 5305)

## Understanding Muscle Group V Injuries

Muscle Group V covers the muscles responsible for key movements of the arm at the elbow and shoulder. Under **38 CFR § 4.73**, Diagnostic Code 5305 addresses injuries affecting this muscle group.

**Function of Muscle Group V:**
- **Elbow supination** (the long head of the biceps also acts as a stabilizer of the shoulder joint)
- **Flexion of the elbow**

**The flexor muscles of the elbow in this group are:**
1. Biceps
2. Brachialis
3. Brachioradialis

Because these muscles control bending of the elbow and rotation of the forearm, an injury here can affect a person's ability to lift, carry, and rotate the arm.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA rates Muscle Group V injuries based on the severity of the injury. Ratings differ depending on whether the injury affects your **dominant** arm or your **non-dominant** arm.

| Severity | Dominant Extremity | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|----------|-------------------|------------------------|
| Severe | 40% | 30% |
| Moderately Severe | 30% | 20% |
| Moderate | 10% | 10% |
| Slight | 0% | 0% |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an injury under Diagnostic Code 5305, the VA classifies the muscle injury by its severity, using the categories:

- **Slight**
- **Moderate**
- **Moderately Severe**
- **Severe**

The VA also considers whether the affected arm is your **dominant** or **non-dominant** extremity, since this determines the applicable rating percentage for each severity level.

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*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5305. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of your case as evaluated by the VA.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73