---
title: "DC 5306 - Group VI. Function: Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint). Extensor muscles of the elbow: (1) Triceps; (2) anconeus."
diagnostic_code: "5306"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5306-group-vi-function-extension-of-elbow-long-head-of-triceps-is"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:07:51.897853Z"
---

# DC 5306 - Group VI. Function: Extension of elbow (long head of triceps is stabilizer of shoulder joint). Extensor muscles of the elbow: (1) Triceps; (2) anconeus.

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 |

# Elbow Extension Muscle Injuries (Diagnostic Code 5306)

## Understanding Muscle Group VI Injuries

Under VA Diagnostic Code 5306 (**§ 4.73**, Muscle Injuries), the VA evaluates injuries affecting **Muscle Group VI** — the muscles responsible for **extension of the elbow**.

This muscle group includes the **triceps** and the **anconeus**. The long head of the triceps also serves as a stabilizer of the shoulder joint.

When an injury affects these muscles, it can impact your ability to extend (straighten) your elbow, which is central to many everyday movements and tasks.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the muscle injury. Ratings differ depending on whether the injury affects your **dominant** extremity or your **non-dominant (minor)** extremity.

| Severity | Dominant Extremity | Non-Dominant (Minor) 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 5306, the VA classifies the severity of the muscle injury into one of four levels:

- **Slight** — rated at 0%
- **Moderate** — rated at 10%
- **Moderately Severe** — rated at 30% (dominant) or 20% (non-dominant)
- **Severe** — rated at 40% (dominant) or 30% (non-dominant)

The VA also considers whether the affected arm is your **dominant** or **non-dominant** extremity, as this affects the assigned rating percentage at the more severe levels.

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