Body system: Muscle InjuriesRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.73DBQ: DBQ MUSC Muscle Injuries
DC 5317 covers Muscle Group XVII, the pelvic girdle group 2 (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus), which extends and abducts the hip and steadies the pelvis. A muscle injury here is rated 0% for slight, 20% for moderate, 40% for moderately severe and 50% for severe (38 CFR 4.73), using the definitions in 38 CFR 4.56.
Rating levels
- 50% — This criteria covers severe damage to your gluteal muscles (the three main muscles in your buttocks that help you stand, walk, and maintain balance). When these muscles are severely injured, you would have significant trouble extending your hip backward, moving your leg out to the side, keeping your pelvis level when walking, and maintaining steady balance while standing or moving. The injury would cause noticeable difficulty with basic activities like getting up from chairs, climbing stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, or standing for extended periods.
- 40% — Your hip muscles (the three gluteal muscles in your buttocks) are moderately severely damaged, causing significant problems with extending your hip backward, moving your leg out to the side, and keeping your pelvis stable when you walk or stand. This level of muscle injury makes it hard to maintain good posture and balance, and you'll have noticeable difficulty with activities like climbing stairs, getting up from chairs, or walking on uneven ground because these muscles can't properly support your body weight and keep your pelvis steady.
- 20% — Your hip muscles (the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus - your main buttock muscles) have moderate damage that affects your ability to extend your hip backward, move your leg out to the side, and maintain proper balance and posture. This level of muscle injury causes noticeable difficulty with activities like walking up stairs, getting up from chairs, standing on one leg, or maintaining steady balance, but you can still perform these functions with some effort or compensation.
- 0% — You have a slight injury to your gluteus muscles (the three main muscles in your buttocks that help you extend your hip, lift your leg out to the side, and keep your pelvis stable when walking). The injury causes only minor problems with these muscle functions, meaning you might have some mild weakness or discomfort but it doesn't significantly limit your daily activities or movement.