Diagnostic Code 5312 · 38 CFR §4.73
Muscle Group XII includes the anterior muscles of the lower leg, primarily the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, and peroneus tertius. These muscles lift the foot and toes during walking, preventing the foot from dragging on the ground. They are essential for the swing phase of walking when the foot needs to clear the ground. Damage to these muscles can cause foot drop, where the foot slaps the ground with each step because it cannot be lifted properly.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | |
| 10% | |
| 20% | |
| 30% |
Service records documenting the anterior lower leg injury, Treatment and surgical records, Ankle dorsiflexion and toe extension strength testing, Documentation of foot drop if present, including gait analysis, Records of braces such as ankle-foot orthoses prescribed