Muscle Group XV — Mesial Thigh (Adductors)

DC 5315Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5315

Muscle Group XV includes the mesial (inner) thigh group of adductor muscles: the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis. These muscles control adduction of the hip (bringing the thigh toward the midline) and assist with hip flexion and rotation. In military service, injuries commonly occur from lateral movements during tactical operations, mounting and dismounting military vehicles, wide-stance lifting of heavy equipment, penetrating wounds to the inner thigh, and groin strains from obstacle courses and combat training. The VA rates Muscle Group XV 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 5315

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5315. 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 XV injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of adductor muscle substance and visible atrophy of the inner thigh. Hip adduction is profoundly impaired, resulting in lateral gait instability, difficulty with lower extremity control, and significant functional limitations in walking and standing.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe adductor substance loss with visible inner thigh atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound impairment of hip adduction and lateral stability
Significant gait abnormality from adductor weakness

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — adductor injuries should be linked to military activities involving lateral movements, vehicle operations, obstacle training, or specific penetrating trauma to the inner thigh.
⚠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 lateral instability during gait — adductor weakness directly affects side-to-side stability while walking, and this should be observed and documented during gait analysis.
⚠Overlooking the proximity of femoral vessels — inner thigh injuries may involve vascular complications that should be separately documented and claimed if present.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Muscle Injuries

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Muscle Group XV — Mesial Thigh (Adductors)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5315

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe adductor substance loss with visible inner thigh atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound impairment of hip adduction and lateral stability
Significant gait abnormality from adductor weakness

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — adductor injuries should be linked to military activities involving lateral movements, vehicle operations, obstacle training, or specific penetrating trauma to the inner thigh.

⚠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 lateral instability during gait — adductor weakness directly affects side-to-side stability while walking, and this should be observed and documented during gait analysis.

⚠Overlooking the proximity of femoral vessels — inner thigh injuries may involve vascular complications that should be separately documented and claimed if present.