Muscle Group X — Foot Intrinsic Muscles

DC 5310Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5310

Muscle Group X includes the intrinsic muscles of the foot: the plantar group (flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis, abductor digiti minimi, quadratus plantae, lumbricals, flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis, flexor digiti minimi brevis, interossei) and the dorsal group (extensor digitorum brevis, extensor hallucis brevis). These muscles control toe movement, arch support, and balance during walking and standing. In military service, injuries commonly occur from prolonged marching and road marches in combat boots, stepping on IEDs or landmines causing blast injuries to the foot, running on uneven terrain during training, and penetrating wounds from fragmentary munitions. The VA rates Muscle Group X 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 5310

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5310. 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 X injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of intrinsic foot muscle substance and visible atrophy. Toe function and propulsive thrust are profoundly impaired, resulting in significant gait abnormality and difficulty with standing and walking. Assistive devices may be required.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe foot muscle substance loss with visible atrophy
Loss of arch support from muscle atrophy
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound impairment of gait and propulsive thrust
Requirement for assistive device or specialized footwear

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — foot muscle injuries should be linked to military activities like prolonged marching, running in combat boots, blast exposure, or specific foot trauma during training.
⚠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 gait analysis results — foot muscle injuries directly affect walking mechanics, and objective gait analysis showing abnormalities provides strong supporting evidence.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — foot muscle injuries commonly cause compensatory knee, hip, and back problems from altered gait mechanics that should be claimed as secondary conditions.

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 X — Foot Intrinsic Muscles

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5310

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe foot muscle substance loss with visible atrophy
Loss of arch support from muscle atrophy
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound impairment of gait and propulsive thrust
Requirement for assistive device or specialized footwear

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — foot muscle injuries should be linked to military activities like prolonged marching, running in combat boots, blast exposure, or specific foot trauma during training.

⚠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 gait analysis results — foot muscle injuries directly affect walking mechanics, and objective gait analysis showing abnormalities provides strong supporting evidence.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — foot muscle injuries commonly cause compensatory knee, hip, and back problems from altered gait mechanics that should be claimed as secondary conditions.