---
title: "DC 5317 - Group XVII. Function: Extension of hip (1); abduction of thigh; elevation of opposite side of pelvis (2, 3); tension of fascia lata and iliotibial (Maissiat's) band, acting with XIV (6) in postural support of body steadying pelvis upon head of femur and condyles of femur on tibia (1). Pelvic girdle group 2: (1) Gluteus maximus; (2) gluteus medius; (3) gluteus minimus"
diagnostic_code: "5317"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5317-group-xvii-function-extension-of-hip-1-abduction-of-thigh"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:09:30.194550Z"
---

# DC 5317 - Group XVII. Function: Extension of hip (1); abduction of thigh; elevation of opposite side of pelvis (2, 3); tension of fascia lata and iliotibial (Maissiat's) band, acting with XIV (6) in postural support of body steadying pelvis upon head of femur and condyles of femur on tibia (1). Pelvic girdle group 2: (1) Gluteus maximus; (2) gluteus medius; (3) gluteus minimus

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Severe |
| 40% | Moderately Severe |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 0% | Slight |

## Notes

- * If bilateral, see § 3.350(a)(3) of this chapter to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Muscle Injuries — Group XVII (Pelvic Girdle Group 2): Diagnostic Code 5317

## Understanding Muscle Group XVII

Muscle Group XVII is part of the pelvic girdle and includes three muscles:

1. **Gluteus maximus**
2. **Gluteus medius**
3. **Gluteus minimus**

These muscles support several important functions of the hip, thigh, and pelvis, including:

- **Extension of the hip** (gluteus maximus)
- **Abduction of the thigh** (gluteus medius and gluteus minimus)
- **Elevation of the opposite side of the pelvis** (gluteus medius and gluteus minimus)
- **Tension of the fascia lata and iliotibial (Maissiat's) band**, acting together with Muscle Group XIV to provide **postural support of the body**, steadying the pelvis upon the head of the femur and the condyles of the femur on the tibia (gluteus maximus)

An injury to this muscle group can affect how the hip and pelvis function during standing, walking, and other movements that rely on these supporting muscles.

## How the VA Rates This Condition

The VA rates injuries to Muscle Group XVII under **38 CFR § 4.73**, using a scale based on the severity of the muscle injury. The available rating levels are:

| Rating | Level of Severity |
|--------|-------------------|
| **50%** | Severe |
| **40%** | Moderately Severe |
| **20%** | Moderate |
| **0%** | Slight |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a Muscle Group XVII injury, the VA assigns a rating based on the **severity of the muscle disability**, ranging from *slight* through *moderate*, *moderately severe*, and *severe*.

**Important note for bilateral injuries:** If the injury affects both sides, the VA refers to **§ 3.350(a)(3)** to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to **special monthly compensation**.

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