Muscle Group VI — Extensor Elbow

DC 5306Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5306

Muscle Group VI includes the extensor muscles of the elbow: the triceps and anconeus. These muscles control elbow extension (straightening the arm) and stabilization of the elbow joint during pushing and pressing movements. In military service, injuries commonly occur from push-up and combat training exercises, pushing heavy equipment and vehicles, falls onto outstretched arms during airborne or field operations, direct trauma from blast or penetrating wounds to the posterior upper arm, and sustained strain from rifle and weapon handling. The VA rates Muscle Group VI 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 5306

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5306. 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 VI injury on the dominant side is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of triceps muscle substance and visible atrophy. Elbow extension strength is profoundly reduced, severely limiting pushing, pressing, and overhead activities. The non-dominant side is rated at 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe triceps 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 extension strength
Inability to perform pushing, pressing, or overhead tasks

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — triceps injuries should be linked to military pushing, pressing, combat training, or weapon handling activities.
⚠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 VI ratings differ based on handedness for moderately severe and severe levels.
⚠Not documenting the impact on elbow stability — the triceps long head stabilizes the shoulder joint, and its weakness can affect both elbow and shoulder function, which should 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 VI — Extensor Elbow

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5306

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe triceps 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 extension strength
Inability to perform pushing, pressing, or overhead tasks

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — triceps injuries should be linked to military pushing, pressing, combat training, or weapon handling activities.

⚠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 VI ratings differ based on handedness for moderately severe and severe levels.

⚠Not documenting the impact on elbow stability — the triceps long head stabilizes the shoulder joint, and its weakness can affect both elbow and shoulder function, which should be documented.