VASRD 5311 · Musculoskeletal System

Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) VA Disability Rating

Injury to calf or back-of-leg muscles causing weakness or pain during walking or flexing the knee.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%Can’t walk well or flex leg
20%Pain with activity
10%Mild calf strain symptoms
0%No major effect

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors)

Physical exam, strength test, pain log, gait analysis.

Approval rate

Moderate (~50%) when linked to trauma or repetitive use.

Annual service-connected

1,900 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •PT or orthopedic notes
  • •Gait abnormality reports

Strategy Tips

  • •Describe walking limitations
  • •Include strength loss over time

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Only reporting pain without ROM loss
  • •Not specifying severity

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Omitting how it affects work/daily life
  • •Not linking injury to service duties

Onset Patterns

  • •After injury or long-term wear

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors). 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/Knee Flexors) is frequently claimed.

Marines6336Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic F-100

Common questions about Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors)

Is Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) under VASRD diagnostic code 5311 (Musculoskeletal System). Injury to calf or back-of-leg muscles causing weakness or pain during walking or flexing the knee.
What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors)?
Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) are 40%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 40% — Can’t walk well or flex leg; 20% — Pain with activity; 10% — Mild calf strain symptoms.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors)?
The average awarded rating for Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) is 10%. Roughly 1,900 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~50%) when linked to trauma or repetitive use..
What evidence helps prove Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) claim includes: PT or orthopedic notes; Gait abnormality reports.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors): Omitting how it affects work/daily life; Not linking injury to service duties.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) include: Achilles Tendonitis, Knee Arthritis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Muscle Group XI (Calf/Knee Flexors) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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