---
title: "DC 5318 - Group XVIII. Function: Outward rotation of thigh and stabilization of hip joint. Pelvic girdle group 3: (1) Pyriformis; (2) gemellus (superior or inferior); (3) obturator (external or internal); (4) quadratus femoris"
diagnostic_code: "5318"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5318-group-xviii-function-outward-rotation-of-thigh-and"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T17:58:02.166913Z"
---

# DC 5318 - Group XVIII. Function: Outward rotation of thigh and stabilization of hip joint. Pelvic girdle group 3: (1) Pyriformis; (2) gemellus (superior or inferior); (3) obturator (external or internal); (4) quadratus femoris

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

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

# VA Disability Rating: Muscle Group XVIII Injuries (Diagnostic Code 5318)

## Understanding Muscle Group XVIII Injuries

Muscle Group XVIII is part of the **pelvic girdle group** and is responsible for **outward rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the hip joint**. This muscle group includes:

- The **pyriformis**
- The **gemellus** (superior or inferior)
- The **obturator** (external or internal)
- The **quadratus femoris**

Injuries affecting these muscles can impact how the hip functions and stabilizes during movement.

This condition is rated under **38 CFR § 4.73**, in the **Muscle Injuries** body system.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating for Muscle Group XVIII injuries based on the severity of the injury. The available rating levels are:

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

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a Muscle Group XVIII injury, the VA evaluates the **severity of the muscle injury** and its effect on the muscle group's function — the outward rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the hip joint.

The rating assigned reflects where the injury falls along the severity scale, from **Slight (0%)** through **Moderate (10%)**, **Moderately Severe (20%)**, up to **Severe (30%)**.

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*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.73. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case.*

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