Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck

Under 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5322 rates injury of Muscle Group XXII: the muscles of the front of the neck — the lateral, suprahyoid and infrahyoid group, which the schedule lists as trapezius I at its clavicular insertion, the sternocleidomastoid, the hyoid muscles, the sternothyroid and the digastric. Their stated functions are rotary and forward movements of the head, respiration and deglutition (swallowing). 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 side of the neck is injured. Swallowing and breathing difficulty are part of what this group's injury produces, and both belong in the record even though the percentages turn on the overall severity of the muscle injury rather than on any single symptom.

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 XXII - Muscles of front of neck. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

• Cervical strain

• Headaches

• Upper back pain

Common questions about Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck

Is Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck under VASRD diagnostic code 5322 (Musculoskeletal System). Injury to the muscles at the front of the neck — the sternocleidomastoid, the hyoid group and their neighbours — which turn the head forward and to the side and help with breathing and swallowing.

What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?

Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30%: Severe damage to the muscles at the front of the neck.; 20%: Moderately severe damage to the muscles at the front of the neck.; 10%: Moderate damage to the muscles at the front of the neck..

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 2,400 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate.

What evidence helps prove Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck claim includes: A neck range-of-motion chart from a formal exam.; MRI or CT imaging of the cervical spine region.; Orthopedic or physical therapy evaluations documenting the muscle involvement..

What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?

Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck: Only claiming generic neck pain without connecting it to this specific muscle group.; Lack of range-of-motion documentation, which is central to how this rating is determined..

What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck include: Cervical strain, Headaches, Upper back pain. 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 5322)

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