Muscle Group XXIII — Muscles of Head/Neck (Lateral)

DC 5323Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5323

Muscle Group XXIII includes the lateral and posterior muscles of the neck: the sternocleidomastoid, scalene muscles (anterior, middle, posterior), splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, and the suboccipital muscles. These muscles control lateral flexion (side bending) and rotation of the head and neck, as well as stabilization of the cervical spine during movement. In military service, injuries commonly occur from whiplash in vehicle accidents and rollover incidents, penetrating wounds from shrapnel or gunshot to the neck, blast injuries causing concussive cervical muscle damage, sustained strain from heavy helmet and night-vision goggle wear, and repetitive head-turning during vehicle operation and security patrols. The VA rates Muscle Group XXIII 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 5323

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5323. 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 XXIII injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of lateral neck muscle substance and visible atrophy. Head and neck movement are profoundly impaired, with severe limitations in rotation, lateral flexion, and the ability to hold the head in stable positions. This significantly affects driving, working at a computer, and virtually all daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars on lateral neck
Severe lateral neck 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 head rotation and lateral flexion
Torticollis or head tilt from asymmetric muscle loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — neck muscle injuries should be linked to military vehicle accidents, blast exposure, heavy helmet/NVG wear, combat wounds, or repetitive head movement requirements of your duties.
⚠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 distinguishing between muscle injury and cervical spine condition — if your neck disability is primarily muscular, it should be claimed under DC 5323 rather than the cervical spine codes, but the more favorable code should be selected with your representative.
⚠Not documenting the impact on driving and occupational function — the inability to turn the head has profound safety and employment implications that should be clearly documented in the claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Muscle Injuries

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Muscle Group XXIII — Muscles of Head/Neck (Lateral)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5323

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars on lateral neck
Severe lateral neck 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 head rotation and lateral flexion
Torticollis or head tilt from asymmetric muscle loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — neck muscle injuries should be linked to military vehicle accidents, blast exposure, heavy helmet/NVG wear, combat wounds, or repetitive head movement requirements of your duties.

⚠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 distinguishing between muscle injury and cervical spine condition — if your neck disability is primarily muscular, it should be claimed under DC 5323 rather than the cervical spine codes, but the more favorable code should be selected with your representative.

⚠Not documenting the impact on driving and occupational function — the inability to turn the head has profound safety and employment implications that should be clearly documented in the claim.