Muscle Group XVII — Pelvic Girdle (Extensors of Hip)

DC 5317Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5317

Muscle Group XVII includes the pelvic girdle muscles that extend the hip: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. These are the largest and most powerful muscles in the body, responsible for hip extension (straightening the hip from a bent position), abduction (moving the leg outward), and rotational control of the pelvis during walking and running. In military service, injuries commonly occur from explosive movements during combat and training, heavy squatting and lifting under load, falls from height during airborne or rappelling operations, penetrating wounds to the buttock region from shrapnel or gunshot, and prolonged seated positions in armored vehicles causing chronic gluteal dysfunction. The VA rates Muscle Group XVII 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 5317

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5317. 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 XVII injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of gluteal muscle substance and visible atrophy. Hip extension and pelvic stability are profoundly impaired, resulting in severe gait abnormality, inability to climb stairs without assistance, and significant difficulty with all standing and ambulatory activities.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe gluteal substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound pelvic instability and Trendelenburg gait
Requirement for assistive device for ambulation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — gluteal injuries should be linked to military heavy lifting, combat operations, falls from height, prolonged vehicle operations, or specific penetrating 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 the Trendelenburg test — gluteus medius weakness causes pelvic drop during single-leg stance, which is an objective clinical finding that strongly supports the claim.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — gluteal weakness causes compensatory problems in the lumbar spine, knees, and opposite hip that should be claimed as secondary service-connected 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 XVII — Pelvic Girdle (Extensors of Hip)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5317

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe gluteal substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Profound pelvic instability and Trendelenburg gait
Requirement for assistive device for ambulation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — gluteal injuries should be linked to military heavy lifting, combat operations, falls from height, prolonged vehicle operations, or specific penetrating 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 the Trendelenburg test — gluteus medius weakness causes pelvic drop during single-leg stance, which is an objective clinical finding that strongly supports the claim.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — gluteal weakness causes compensatory problems in the lumbar spine, knees, and opposite hip that should be claimed as secondary service-connected conditions.