Muscle Group XIX — Trunk (Abdominals)

DC 5319Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5319

Muscle Group XIX includes the abdominal wall muscles: the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis. These muscles control flexion of the trunk (bending forward), compression of the abdominal contents, support of the abdominal wall, forced expiration, and stabilization of the spine. In military service, injuries commonly occur from blast injuries causing abdominal wall disruption, penetrating wounds from shrapnel or gunshot to the abdomen, surgical trauma from emergency abdominal operations in theater, chronic strain from sit-up-intensive physical training programs, and direct blunt trauma during combat or vehicle accidents. The VA rates Muscle Group XIX 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 5319

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5319. 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 XIX injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of abdominal muscle substance and visible deformity of the abdominal wall. Core stability is profoundly impaired, affecting posture, lifting capacity, and respiratory function. There may be hernia or bulging at the site of muscle loss.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe abdominal muscle substance loss with visible deformity
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray or CT evidence of retained foreign bodies or wall defects
Profound impairment of core stability and trunk flexion
Hernia or abdominal wall bulging at injury site

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — abdominal muscle injuries should be linked to military blast exposure, combat wounds, surgical procedures in theater, or chronic overuse from physical training programs.
⚠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 evaluating for concurrent hernia — abdominal wall muscle damage frequently leads to incisional or traumatic hernia, which should be separately claimed under the digestive system codes if present.
⚠Not documenting respiratory impact — the abdominal muscles assist in forced expiration and coughing, and their weakness can impair pulmonary function, which should be tested and 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 XIX — Trunk (Abdominals)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5319

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe abdominal muscle substance loss with visible deformity
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray or CT evidence of retained foreign bodies or wall defects
Profound impairment of core stability and trunk flexion
Hernia or abdominal wall bulging at injury site

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — abdominal muscle injuries should be linked to military blast exposure, combat wounds, surgical procedures in theater, or chronic overuse from physical training programs.

⚠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 evaluating for concurrent hernia — abdominal wall muscle damage frequently leads to incisional or traumatic hernia, which should be separately claimed under the digestive system codes if present.

⚠Not documenting respiratory impact — the abdominal muscles assist in forced expiration and coughing, and their weakness can impair pulmonary function, which should be tested and documented.