Muscle Group VII — Flexors of Wrist/Fingers

DC 5307Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5307

Muscle Group VII includes the flexor muscles of the wrist and fingers: the flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus, flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor digitorum profundus (parts I and II). These muscles control wrist flexion and finger gripping. In military service, injuries commonly occur from repetitive gripping of tools, weapons, and equipment, direct trauma from penetrating wounds to the forearm, crush injuries during vehicle maintenance and equipment operations, falls onto outstretched hands, and sustained strain from operating heavy machinery. The VA rates Muscle Group VII 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 5307

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5307. 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 VII injury on the dominant side is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of forearm flexor muscle substance and visible atrophy. Grip strength and wrist flexion are profoundly reduced, severely limiting hand function for daily activities and employment. The non-dominant side is rated at 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe forearm flexor 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 wrist flexion
Significant occupational impairment from hand dysfunction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — wrist and finger flexor injuries should be linked to military gripping, tool use, weapon handling, or equipment operation that strained the forearm muscles.
⚠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 VII ratings differ based on handedness, which is critical for hand function claims.
⚠Not obtaining grip strength measurements — dynamometer testing provides objective evidence of functional loss and should be performed on both sides for comparison at every C&P 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 VII — Flexors of Wrist/Fingers

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5307

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe forearm flexor 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 wrist flexion
Significant occupational impairment from hand dysfunction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — wrist and finger flexor injuries should be linked to military gripping, tool use, weapon handling, or equipment operation that strained the forearm muscles.

⚠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 VII ratings differ based on handedness, which is critical for hand function claims.

⚠Not obtaining grip strength measurements — dynamometer testing provides objective evidence of functional loss and should be performed on both sides for comparison at every C&P examination.