Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion)

Under 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5311 rates injury of Muscle Group XI: the posterior and lateral crural muscles and the muscles of the calf, which the schedule lists as the triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus), tibialis posterior, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, popliteus and plantaris. Their stated functions are propulsion and plantar flexion of the foot, stabilization of the arch, flexion of the toes and flexion of the knee. The code grades the injury as severe (30 percent), moderately severe (20 percent), moderate (10 percent) or slight (0 percent). It prints a single column, so the evaluation does not change with which leg is injured, and 30 percent is the highest evaluation the code provides.

Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

• Achilles Tendonitis

  Overcompensation

• Knee Arthritis

  Altered movement

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) is frequently claimed.

Common questions about Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion)

Is Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) under VASRD diagnostic code 5311 (Musculoskeletal System). Injury to the calf and back-of-the-leg muscles that point the foot down, hold up the arch, curl the toes and help bend the knee.

What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion)?

Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30%: Severe damage to the calf and back-of-leg muscles.; 20%: Moderately severe damage to the calf and back-of-leg muscles.; 10%: Moderate damage to the calf and back-of-leg muscles..

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion)?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,900 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion). Estimated approva…

What evidence helps prove Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) claim includes: Physical therapy or orthopedic notes documenting the muscle injury.; Gait abnormality reports showing how the injury affects walking..

What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion)?

Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion): Omitting how the condition affects work or daily life.; Not linking the injury to specific service duties..

What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion)?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XI - Calf and Posterior Leg Muscles (Plantar Flexion) include: Achilles Tendonitis, Knee Arthritis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

1. 38 CFR § 4.73 — Schedule of ratings — muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5311)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.