---
title: "DC 5314 - Group XIV. Function: Extension of knee (2, 3, 4, 5); simultaneous flexion of hip and flexion of knee (1); tension of fascia lata and iliotibial (Maissiat's) band, acting with XVII (1) in postural support of body (6); acting with hamstrings in synchronizing hip and knee (1, 2). Anterior thigh group: (1) Sartorius; (2) rectus femoris; (3) vastus externus; (4) vastus intermedius; (5) vastus internus; (6) tensor vaginae femoris"
diagnostic_code: "5314"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5314-group-xiv-function-extension-of-knee-2-3-4-5-simultaneous"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T17:58:01.728707Z"
---

# DC 5314 - Group XIV. Function: Extension of knee (2, 3, 4, 5); simultaneous flexion of hip and flexion of knee (1); tension of fascia lata and iliotibial (Maissiat's) band, acting with XVII (1) in postural support of body (6); acting with hamstrings in synchronizing hip and knee (1, 2). Anterior thigh group: (1) Sartorius; (2) rectus femoris; (3) vastus externus; (4) vastus intermedius; (5) vastus internus; (6) tensor vaginae femoris

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 40% | Severe |
| 30% | Moderately Severe |
| 10% | Moderate |
| 0% | Slight |

# VA Disability Rating: Muscle Group XIV Injuries (Diagnostic Code 5314)

## Understanding This Rating

Diagnostic Code **5314** covers injuries to **Muscle Group XIV**, part of the **Muscle Injuries** body system rated under **§ 4.73** of the VA rating schedule.

Muscle Group XIV is the **anterior thigh group**. These muscles work together to power and stabilize movement of the hip and knee, including:

- **Extension of the knee** — straightening the knee (rectus femoris, vastus externus, vastus intermedius, vastus internus)
- **Simultaneous flexion of the hip and flexion of the knee** (sartorius)
- **Tension of the fascia lata and iliotibial (Maissiat's) band**, acting with Group XVII in **postural support of the body** (tensor vaginae femoris)
- **Acting with the hamstrings** to synchronize movement of the hip and knee

The specific muscles in this group are:
1. Sartorius
2. Rectus femoris
3. Vastus externus
4. Vastus intermedius
5. Vastus internus
6. Tensor vaginae femoris

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability percentage for a Group XIV muscle injury based on how severe the disability is. The rating levels are:

| Rating | Severity |
|--------|--------------------|
| **40%** | Severe |
| **30%** | Moderately Severe |
| **10%** | Moderate |
| **0%** | Slight |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a Group XIV muscle injury, the VA classifies the disability into one of four levels of severity: **Slight**, **Moderate**, **Moderately Severe**, or **Severe**. The classification determines which percentage applies, ranging from a 0% (Slight) rating up to a 40% (Severe) rating.

Because these muscles are responsible for functions such as extending the knee, coordinating hip and knee movement, and supporting posture, the VA's evaluation focuses on how the injury affects the muscle group's ability to perform these functions.

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