---
title: "DC 5319 - Group XIX. Function: Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1). Muscles of the abdominal wall: (1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum"
diagnostic_code: "5319"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5319-group-xix-function-support-and-compression-of-abdominal-wall"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T17:58:02.272337Z"
---

# DC 5319 - Group XIX. Function: Support and compression of abdominal wall and lower thorax; flexion and lateral motions of spine; synergists in strong downward movements of arm (1). Muscles of the abdominal wall: (1) Rectus abdominis; (2) external oblique; (3) internal oblique; (4) transversalis; (5) quadratus lumborum

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Severe |
| 30% | Moderately Severe |
| 10% | Moderate |
| 0% | Slight |

# VA Disability Rating: Muscle Group XIX Injuries (Diagnostic Code 5319)

## Understanding Muscle Group XIX

Muscle Group XIX covers the muscles of the abdominal wall and lower thorax. Under **38 CFR § 4.73**, this group is responsible for several important functions:

- **Support and compression** of the abdominal wall and lower thorax
- **Flexion and lateral motions** of the spine
- Acting as **synergists in strong downward movements of the arm**

The muscles included in this group are:

1. Rectus abdominis
2. External oblique
3. Internal oblique
4. Transversalis
5. Quadratus lumborum

Injuries to these muscles fall within the VA's **Muscle Injuries** body system and are evaluated using Diagnostic Code 5319.

## Available Rating Levels

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

| Rating | Severity Level |
|--------|----------------|
| **50%** | Severe |
| **30%** | Moderately Severe |
| **10%** | Moderate |
| **0%** | Slight |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an injury under Diagnostic Code 5319, the VA classifies the muscle disability according to its severity — **Slight**, **Moderate**, **Moderately Severe**, or **Severe**. The classification the VA assigns determines the corresponding disability percentage shown in the table above.

Because this evaluation centers on the degree of muscle injury affecting the abdominal wall and lower thorax, documentation reflecting the nature and severity of the muscle disability is relevant to how the claim is rated.

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*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.73 for Muscle Group XIX (Diagnostic Code 5319). Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of each case.*

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