Group XI. Function: Propulsion, plantar flexion of foot; stabilization of arch; flexion of toes; Flexion of knee. Posterior and lateral crural muscles, and muscles of the calf: Triceps surae; tibialis posterior; peroneus longus; peroneus brevis; flexor hallucis longus; flexor digitorum longus; popliteus; plantaris (DC 5311)

Body system: Muscle InjuriesRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.73

Diagnostic Code 5311 covers injuries to the muscles in your lower leg and calf that control pushing off when you walk, supporting your arch, moving your toes, and bending your knee. This includes your calf muscles, muscles along your shin, and smaller muscles that help your foot and ankle work properly. The VA rates these muscle injuries from 0% to 30% based on how severely they limit your leg function, with higher ratings for more significant muscle weakness or loss of function.

Rating levels

  • 30% — This covers severe damage to the muscles in your calf and lower leg that help you push off when walking, keep your foot arch stable, bend your toes, and bend your knee. The affected muscles include your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), the muscles that support your arch and help you walk on uneven ground (tibialis posterior and peroneus muscles), and muscles that bend your toes and assist with knee movement. Severe damage means these muscles have significant weakness or paralysis that substantially limits your ability to walk normally, push off with your foot, or maintain proper foot positioning.
  • 20% — This applies to moderately severe injuries to the muscles in your calf and back of your lower leg that control pushing off with your foot when walking, keeping your foot arch stable, bending your toes downward, and bending your knee. You would have significant weakness or partial loss of function in these muscles, making it noticeably harder to walk normally, push off when stepping, maintain balance, or control your foot and toe movements, but you haven't completely lost all muscle function.
  • 10% — You have moderate damage or weakness in the muscles of your calf and back of your lower leg that control pushing off when you walk, keeping your foot arch stable, bending your toes, and bending your knee. This includes muscles like your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), the muscle that supports your arch (tibialis posterior), and muscles that help flex your toes and stabilize your foot during movement. The damage is noticeable and affects your ability to walk normally, push off effectively when stepping, or maintain proper foot and ankle stability, but it's not severe enough to cause complete loss of function.
  • 0% — You have slight damage to the muscles in your calf and lower leg that control pushing off when you walk, keeping your foot arch stable, bending your toes, and bending your knee. The injury causes minor weakness or stiffness in these muscles, but you can still perform most daily activities and walking without significant problems. Your symptoms might include mild pain, occasional cramping, or slight difficulty with activities like going up on your toes or walking on uneven surfaces.

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.