Group IX. Function: The forearm muscles act in strong grasping movements and are supplemented by the intrinsic muscles in delicate manipulative movements. Intrinsic muscles of hand: Thenar eminence; short flexor, opponens, abductor and adductor of thumb; hypothenar eminence; short flexor, opponens and abductor of little finger; 4 lumbricales; 4 dorsal and 3 palmar interossei (DC 5309)

Body system: Muscle InjuriesRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.73

Diagnostic Code 5309 covers injuries to the small muscles in your hand and forearm that control gripping and fine finger movements - like the muscles that help you pinch, grasp objects, or move your fingers precisely. The VA doesn't have specific rating percentages for this code, so they rate it based on how much your range of motion is limited, with a minimum 10% rating. This means they'll look at how well you can move your fingers, thumb, and wrist rather than using a standard rating table.

Rating levels

  • -1% — The VA rates hand and forearm muscle injuries based on how much they affect your ability to use your hand and forearm for everyday tasks. This includes problems with the muscles that help you grip things strongly (forearm muscles) and the small muscles in your hand that control fine movements like writing or picking up small objects (intrinsic muscles like those in your thumb pad and pinky side of hand). Your rating will depend on either how much the muscle damage limits what you can do with your hand, or on leftover problems from an injury, tumor, or surgery that affected these muscles.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.