---
title: "DC 5320 - Group XX. Function: Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine. Spinal muscles: Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions)"
diagnostic_code: "5320"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5320-group-xx-function-postural-support-of-body-extension-and"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:09:51.029508Z"
---

# DC 5320 - Group XX. Function: Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine. Spinal muscles: Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions)

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 40% | Cervical and thoracic region: Severe |
| 20% | Cervical and thoracic region: Moderately Severe |
| 10% | Cervical and thoracic region: Moderate |
| 0% | Cervical and thoracic region: Slight |
| 60% | Lumbar region: Severe |
| 40% | Lumbar region: Moderately Severe |
| 20% | Lumbar region: Moderate |
| 0% | Lumbar region: Slight |

# VA Disability Rating for Muscle Group XX Injuries (Diagnostic Code 5320)

## Understanding Muscle Group XX

Muscle Group XX covers the **spinal muscles**, specifically the sacrospinalis (the erector spinae and its prolongations in the thoracic and cervical regions). These muscles are responsible for **postural support of the body** and the **extension and lateral movements of the spine**.

Injuries to this muscle group can affect your ability to hold your body upright and to bend or turn your spine. Under **38 CFR § 4.73**, the VA rates these injuries as part of its schedule for **Muscle Injuries**.

## How the VA Rates Muscle Group XX

The VA rates Group XX injuries based on **which region of the spine is affected** — the cervical and thoracic region, or the lumbar region — and on the **severity** of the injury (Slight, Moderate, Moderately Severe, or Severe).

### Cervical and Thoracic Region

| Rating | Severity Level |
|--------|----------------|
| 40% | Severe |
| 20% | Moderately Severe |
| 10% | Moderate |
| 0% | Slight |

### Lumbar Region

| Rating | Severity Level |
|--------|----------------|
| 60% | Severe |
| 40% | Moderately Severe |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 0% | Slight |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a Muscle Group XX injury, the VA considers:

- **The region of the spine involved** — cervical and thoracic, or lumbar — since each region has its own set of rating levels.
- **The severity of the muscle injury**, classified as Slight, Moderate, Moderately Severe, or Severe.

Because the function of these muscles involves **postural support and the extension and lateral movements of the spine**, the impact of the injury on these functions is central to how the injury is evaluated.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.73 (Diagnostic Code 5320) and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specifics of each case.*

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