Muscle Injury, Anterior Thigh (Muscle Group XIV)

DC 5314Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5314

Injury to the muscles of the front thigh (quadriceps) that control knee extension. The VA rates muscle injuries based on the severity of damage, from slight to severe, considering the type of wound, treatment history, and current disability.

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 5314

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5314. 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

You have a severe muscle injury to Muscle Group XIV. The original wound was a shattering bone fracture or open comminuted fracture with extensive debridement, prolonged infection, or sloughing of soft parts. You have severe loss of muscle substance and marked weakness of knee extension. This is the maximum schedular rating for Muscle Group XIV.

What the VA looks for

History of shattering bone fracture or open comminuted fracture
Extensive debridement and prolonged infection documented
Ragged, depressed, and adherent scars indicating wide damage
Severe loss of muscle substance and marked weakness
X-ray may show minute scattered foreign bodies

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific muscle group affected — the VA rates each muscle group under its own diagnostic code with different rating percentages.
⚠Failing to describe the original wounding mechanism in detail — the type of wound (bullet, shrapnel, blast) is critical for determining severity.
⚠Not reporting loss of strength in knee extension on examination — ask the examiner to document specific strength testing.
⚠Not documenting tissue loss, scarring, or adhesions — these are key factors in distinguishing moderate from moderately severe and severe injuries.