VASRD 5320 · Musculoskeletal System
Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles VA Disability Rating
Injury to the sacrospinalis — the long erector-spinae muscle column running either side of the spine that holds the back upright.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Severe damage to the erector-spinae muscles in the lower back. |
| 40% | Severe damage in the neck or mid-back, or moderately severe damage in the lower back. |
| 20% | Moderately severe damage in the neck or mid-back, or moderate damage in the lower back. |
| 10% | Moderate damage in the neck or mid-back. |
| 0% | Slight damage — service-connected, but below the level the schedule pays for. |
How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles
Under 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5320 rates injury of Muscle Group XX: the spinal muscles, which the schedule identifies as the sacrospinalis — the erector spinae and its prolongations into the thoracic and cervical regions. Their stated function is postural support of the body and extension and lateral movement of the spine. The code is printed as two sub-tables by region, and the region injured decides the evaluation. In the cervical and thoracic region the scale is severe 40 percent, moderately severe 20 percent, moderate 10 percent and slight 0 percent. In the lumbar region it is severe 60 percent, moderately severe 40 percent, moderate 20 percent and slight 0 percent — there is no 10 percent step in the lumbar sub-table, and 60 percent is available only for a severe lumbar injury. This is a muscle-injury code; a rating for limitation of motion or degenerative change of the spine itself comes from the General Rating Formula in § 4.71a instead.
Approval outlook
Moderate
Veterans service-connected
~6,700 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~20%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •An MRI of the spinal region showing muscle involvement.
- •Orthopedic reports documenting the injury and its severity.
- •Physical therapy records tracking strength and function over time.
Strategy Tips
- •Submit detailed strength and range-of-motion evaluations, since objective muscle testing is what distinguishes this rating from a general back pain claim.
- •Use consistent symptom logs over time, since a documented pattern strengthens the connection between the muscle injury and your reported limitations.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Lack of objective strength measurements, leaving the severity assessment without the specific testing this rating depends on.
- •Missing imaging that would otherwise confirm the muscle injury.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •A vague pain description that doesn't specifically identify the spinal muscle group involved.
- •No proof of functional limitation to support the claimed severity.
Onset Patterns
- •Spinal muscle injuries commonly follow a specific trauma during service, or develop gradually from repetitive use and strain over time.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Chronic back pain
Sciatica
Postural imbalance
Common questions about Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles
- Is Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles under VASRD diagnostic code 5320 (Musculoskeletal System). Injury to the sacrospinalis — the long erector-spinae muscle column running either side of the spine that holds the back upright.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles?
- Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles are 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 60%: Severe damage to the erector-spinae muscles in the lower back.; 40%: Severe damage in the neck or mid-back, or moderately severe damage in the lower back.; 20%: Moderately severe damage in the neck or mid-back, or moder…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 6,700 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate.
- What evidence helps prove Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles claim includes: An MRI of the spinal region showing muscle involvement.; Orthopedic reports documenting the injury and its severity.; Physical therapy records tracking strength and function over time..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles: A vague pain description that doesn't specifically identify the spinal muscle group involved.; No proof of functional limitation to support the claimed severity..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles include: Chronic back pain, Sciatica, Postural imbalance. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.73 — Schedule of ratings — muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5320)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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