Muscle Group VIII — Extensors of Wrist/Fingers

DC 5308Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5308

Muscle Group VIII includes the extensor muscles of the wrist, fingers, and thumb: the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum communis, extensor digiti minimi, extensor indicis proprius, and extensor pollicis longus and brevis. These muscles control wrist extension and opening of the fingers. In military service, injuries commonly occur from repetitive wrist motions in equipment operation and typing, direct trauma from penetrating wounds to the dorsal forearm, hyperextension injuries during hand-to-hand combat training, and strain from weapon manipulation and recoil forces. The VA rates Muscle Group VIII 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 5308

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5308. 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 VIII injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of forearm extensor muscle substance and visible atrophy. Wrist extension and finger opening are profoundly impaired, potentially resulting in wrist drop. This severely limits hand function for nearly all activities. This rating applies to both dominant and non-dominant sides.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe extensor substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Wrist drop or inability to extend fingers
Profound occupational impairment from loss of hand function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — wrist and finger extensor injuries should be linked to military activities involving repetitive wrist motions, weapon handling, equipment operation, or combat trauma.
⚠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 documenting wrist drop tendency — weakness of the extensors can result in partial or complete wrist drop, which is a significant functional finding that may also warrant evaluation under peripheral nerve codes.
⚠Not considering whether a peripheral nerve condition (radial nerve) may warrant a higher rating — if extensor weakness is due to nerve damage rather than muscle damage, the peripheral nerve rating criteria under DC 8514 may be more favorable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Muscle Injuries

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Muscle Group VIII — Extensors of Wrist/Fingers

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5308

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe extensor substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Wrist drop or inability to extend fingers
Profound occupational impairment from loss of hand function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — wrist and finger extensor injuries should be linked to military activities involving repetitive wrist motions, weapon handling, equipment operation, or combat trauma.

⚠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 documenting wrist drop tendency — weakness of the extensors can result in partial or complete wrist drop, which is a significant functional finding that may also warrant evaluation under peripheral nerve codes.

⚠Not considering whether a peripheral nerve condition (radial nerve) may warrant a higher rating — if extensor weakness is due to nerve damage rather than muscle damage, the peripheral nerve rating criteria under DC 8514 may be more favorable.