VASRD 5306 · Musculoskeletal

Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) VA Disability Rating

Weakness or injury to triceps or similar muscles used to extend the elbow.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Major loss of strength
20%Significant difficulty extending elbow
10%Weakness or pain
0%Minor discomfort or stiffness

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)

ROM, strength testing, daily use difficulty, endurance.

Approval rate

Moderate (~55%) if muscle damage documented.

Annual service-connected

1,200 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Ortho specialist report
  • Functional use testing

Strategy Tips

  • Use consistent strength data over time
  • Show impact on lifting and pushing tasks

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Symptoms without muscle injury
  • No ROM or strength data

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Claiming general arm pain
  • Failing to show loss of function

Onset Patterns

  • Injury, repetitive use, surgical complication

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Tendonitis

    Overuse of compensating muscles

  • Shoulder Pain

    Altered arm mechanics

Common questions about Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)

Is Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) under VASRD diagnostic code 5306 (Musculoskeletal). Weakness or injury to triceps or similar muscles used to extend the elbow.
What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)?
Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30% — Major loss of strength; 20% — Significant difficulty extending elbow; 10% — Weakness or pain.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)?
The average awarded rating for Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) is 10%. Roughly 1,200 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~55%) if muscle damage documented..
What evidence helps prove Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) claim includes: Ortho specialist report; Functional use testing.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors): Claiming general arm pain; Failing to show loss of function.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) include: Tendonitis, Shoulder Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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