---
title: "DC 5322 - Group XXII. Function: Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition. Muscles of the front of the neck: (Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the âhyoidâ muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric"
diagnostic_code: "5322"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5322-group-xxii-function-rotary-and-forward-movements-of-the-head"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T17:58:02.599654Z"
---

# DC 5322 - Group XXII. Function: Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition. Muscles of the front of the neck: (Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the âhyoidâ muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric

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 XXII (Diagnostic Code 5322)

## Understanding Muscle Group XXII Injuries

Muscle Group XXII covers the muscles at the front of the neck. According to the VA rating schedule, this group governs **rotary and forward movements of the head, respiration (breathing), and deglutition (swallowing)**.

The muscles in this group include:

- **Trapezius I** (clavicular insertion)
- **Sternocleidomastoid**
- The **"hyoid" muscles** (lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group)
- **Sternothyroid**
- **Digastric**

Injuries to these muscles are evaluated under **§ 4.73** as part of the **Muscle Injuries** body system.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating for this condition based on the severity of the muscle injury. The rating schedule provides the following levels:

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

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an injury under Diagnostic Code 5322, the VA classifies the muscle injury according to its severity — ranging from **Slight** (0%) through **Moderate** (10%), **Moderately Severe** (20%), and **Severe** (30%).

Because these muscles support **head movement, breathing, and swallowing**, the evaluation focuses on how the injury affects the function of the muscles in the front of the neck.

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*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5322. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of each case.*

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