---
title: "DC 5312 - Group XII. Function: Dorsiflexion (1); extension of toes (2); stabilization of arch (3). Anterior muscles of the leg: (1) Tibialis anterior; (2) extensor digitorum longus; (3) extensor hallucis longus; (4) peroneus tertius"
diagnostic_code: "5312"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5312-group-xii-function-dorsiflexion-1-extension-of-toes-2"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T17:58:01.510477Z"
---

# DC 5312 - Group XII. Function: Dorsiflexion (1); extension of toes (2); stabilization of arch (3). Anterior muscles of the leg: (1) Tibialis anterior; (2) extensor digitorum longus; (3) extensor hallucis longus; (4) peroneus tertius

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Severe |
| 20% | Moderately Severe |
| 10% | Moderate |
| 0% | Slight |

# Muscle Injuries — Group XII (Anterior Muscles of the Leg)

**Diagnostic Code 5312 · 38 CFR § 4.73 · Body System: Muscle Injuries**

## Understanding Group XII Muscle Injuries

Group XII covers the anterior muscles of the leg. These muscles are responsible for three main functions:

1. **Dorsiflexion** — lifting the foot upward at the ankle
2. **Extension of the toes**
3. **Stabilization of the arch** of the foot

The muscles in this group include:

- **Tibialis anterior**
- **Extensor digitorum longus**
- **Extensor hallucis longus**
- **Peroneus tertius**

When these muscles are injured, the movements and stability they support may be affected.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA rates injuries to this muscle group based on the severity of the injury, using the following levels:

| Rating | Severity |
|--------|----------------------|
| 30%    | Severe               |
| 20%    | Moderately Severe    |
| 10%    | Moderate             |
| 0%     | Slight               |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a Group XII muscle injury under Diagnostic Code 5312, the VA assigns a rating based on the overall severity of the muscle disability — classified as **Slight**, **Moderate**, **Moderately Severe**, or **Severe**. The rating level reflects how significantly the injury affects the muscle group's functions, which include dorsiflexion, extension of the toes, and stabilization of the arch.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5312. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any specific rating or outcome.*

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