Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion)

Under 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5312 rates injury of Muscle Group XII: the anterior muscles of the leg, which the schedule lists as the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus and peroneus tertius. Their stated functions are dorsiflexion, extension of the toes and stabilization of the arch. The code grades the injury as severe (30 percent), moderately severe (20 percent), moderate (10 percent) or slight (0 percent), in a single column, so the evaluation does not change with which leg is injured. A muscle evaluation under this code is a separate question from a peripheral-nerve evaluation for the same foot drop; where both are claimed, which one applies turns on what the evidence shows was injured.

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 XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

• Peroneal Nerve Palsy

  Anatomical connection

• Knee Instability

  Gait imbalance

Common questions about Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion)

Is Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) under VASRD diagnostic code 5312 (Musculoskeletal System). Injury to the muscles on the front of the shin that lift the foot and toes — the group whose loss causes foot drop.

What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion)?

Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30%: Severe damage to the muscles on the front of the shin.; 20%: Moderately severe damage to the muscles on the front of the shin.; 10%: Moderate damage to the muscles on the front of the shin..

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion)?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,800 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion). Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~50…

What evidence helps prove Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) claim includes: Electromyography (EMG) test results.; Orthopedic exams documenting strength and function..

What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion)?

Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion): No proof of impairment beyond a subjective complaint.; Claiming the condition without orthopedic confirmation..

What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion)?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) include: Peroneal Nerve Palsy, Knee Instability. 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 5312)

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