Diagnostic Code 5316 · 38 CFR §4.73
Muscle Group XVI includes the pelvic girdle muscles that flex the hip, primarily the psoas and iliacus. These deep muscles connect the lower spine to the upper thigh and are the primary hip flexors, responsible for lifting your knee toward your chest. They are essential for walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of vehicles, and transitioning from sitting to standing. Because they sit deep in the abdomen and pelvis, injuries to these muscles often result from penetrating abdominal or pelvic wounds.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | |
| 10% | |
| 20% | |
| 30% | |
| 40% |
Service records documenting the abdominal or pelvic wound, Surgical records showing the extent of deep tissue damage, Hip flexion strength testing, Functional assessment of stair climbing and leg lifting ability, Statements about difficulty with walking, stairs, and getting in and out of seats