Muscle Group XI — Posterior/Lateral Leg

DC 5311Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5311

Muscle Group XI includes the posterior and lateral crural muscles of the leg: the gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, popliteus, and plantaris. These muscles control propulsion and plantar flexion of the foot (pushing off when walking or running), stabilization of the arch, and flexion of the toes. In military service, injuries commonly occur from blast and shrapnel injuries to the calf region, overuse from prolonged running and road marches, combat training involving sprinting and hill climbing, gunshot wounds to the lower leg, and compartment syndrome from sustained physical exertion. The VA rates Muscle Group XI 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 5311

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5311. 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 XI injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of calf muscle substance and visible atrophy. Plantar flexion and propulsive thrust are profoundly impaired, resulting in significant gait abnormality and inability to run, climb, or walk for extended distances.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe calf muscle substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound impairment of propulsion and plantar flexion
Severely abnormal gait requiring assistive device

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — calf and leg muscle injuries should be linked to military activities like running, marching, combat operations, or specific trauma events.
⚠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 heel-raise testing — the ability to perform single-leg heel raises is a key functional test for Muscle Group XI that objectively demonstrates calf strength and endurance.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions from altered gait — chronic calf weakness causes compensatory stress on the knee, hip, and contralateral leg that may warrant secondary service connection claims.

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 XI — Posterior/Lateral Leg

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5311

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe calf muscle substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound impairment of propulsion and plantar flexion
Severely abnormal gait requiring assistive device

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — calf and leg muscle injuries should be linked to military activities like running, marching, combat operations, or specific trauma events.

⚠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 heel-raise testing — the ability to perform single-leg heel raises is a key functional test for Muscle Group XI that objectively demonstrates calf strength and endurance.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions from altered gait — chronic calf weakness causes compensatory stress on the knee, hip, and contralateral leg that may warrant secondary service connection claims.