Muscle Group V — Flexor Elbow

DC 5305Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5305

Muscle Group V includes the flexor muscles of the elbow: the biceps, brachialis, and brachioradialis. These muscles control elbow flexion (bending the arm) and supination of the forearm (turning the palm upward). In military service, injuries commonly occur from heavy lifting and carrying operations, pulling and dragging casualties or equipment, sustained flexion under load while carrying weapons and supplies, direct trauma to the upper arm from shrapnel or gunshot wounds, and falls during training exercises. The VA rates Muscle Group V 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 5305

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5305. 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 V injury on the dominant side is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of biceps or brachialis muscle substance and visible atrophy. Elbow flexion strength is profoundly reduced, making lifting, carrying, and most arm activities extremely difficult. The non-dominant side is rated at 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe biceps or brachialis 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 elbow flexion strength
Significant occupational impairment from inability to lift or carry

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — elbow flexor injuries should be linked to military lifting, carrying, pulling, or combat activities that placed strain on the biceps and brachialis.
⚠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 V ratings differ significantly based on handedness, with the dominant side rated 10 percent higher at moderately severe and severe levels.
⚠Not documenting the impact on supination — biceps weakness affects forearm rotation as well as elbow flexion, and this functional loss should be separately described during examination.

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 V — Flexor Elbow

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5305

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe biceps or brachialis 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 elbow flexion strength
Significant occupational impairment from inability to lift or carry

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — elbow flexor injuries should be linked to military lifting, carrying, pulling, or combat activities that placed strain on the biceps and brachialis.

⚠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 V ratings differ significantly based on handedness, with the dominant side rated 10 percent higher at moderately severe and severe levels.

⚠Not documenting the impact on supination — biceps weakness affects forearm rotation as well as elbow flexion, and this functional loss should be separately described during examination.