Muscle Group IX — Forearm (Grip Strength)

DC 5309Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5309

Muscle Group IX includes the intrinsic muscles of the forearm that control delicate manipulative movements and contribute to grip strength: the pronator quadratus, flexor pollicis longus, and the deep flexors of the fingers (lumbricales and the forearm muscles acting on the fingers and thumb). These muscles are essential for fine motor control, pinch grip, and manipulative hand functions. In military service, injuries commonly occur from handling small arms and performing weapons maintenance, fine motor tasks in specialized MOS roles (mechanics, electronics), crush injuries during equipment handling, and penetrating wounds to the distal forearm. The VA rates Muscle Group IX injuries under 38 CFR 4.73.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5309

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5309. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your Muscle Group IX injury on the dominant side is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of deep forearm muscle substance and visible atrophy. Grip strength and fine manipulative ability are profoundly impaired, severely limiting hand function for daily activities and any employment requiring hand dexterity. The non-dominant side is rated at 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe deep forearm muscle substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound loss of grip strength and fine motor control
Inability to perform precision tasks or sustained gripping

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — fine motor and grip injuries should be linked to military duties requiring precision hand work, tool use, weapon maintenance, or equipment operation.
⚠Failing to describe the cardinal signs of muscle disability per 38 CFR 4.56 — loss of power, weakness, lowered threshold of fatigue, fatigue-pain, impairment of coordination, and uncertainty of movement must each be addressed.
⚠Not distinguishing between dominant and non-dominant side — Muscle Group IX ratings differ based on handedness, and grip strength loss on the dominant hand has far greater functional impact.
⚠Not obtaining both grip and pinch strength measurements — dynamometer testing for gross grip and pinch gauge testing for fine pinch provide separate objective measures that should both be documented.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Muscle Injuries

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Muscle Group IX — Forearm (Grip Strength)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5309

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe deep forearm muscle substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound loss of grip strength and fine motor control
Inability to perform precision tasks or sustained gripping

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — fine motor and grip injuries should be linked to military duties requiring precision hand work, tool use, weapon maintenance, or equipment operation.

⚠Failing to describe the cardinal signs of muscle disability per 38 CFR 4.56 — loss of power, weakness, lowered threshold of fatigue, fatigue-pain, impairment of coordination, and uncertainty of movement must each be addressed.

⚠Not distinguishing between dominant and non-dominant side — Muscle Group IX ratings differ based on handedness, and grip strength loss on the dominant hand has far greater functional impact.

⚠Not obtaining both grip and pinch strength measurements — dynamometer testing for gross grip and pinch gauge testing for fine pinch provide separate objective measures that should both be documented.