Diagnostic Code 5323 · 38 CFR §4.73
Muscle Group XXIII includes the muscles of the posterior and lateral neck that extend and rotate the head backward and to the sides. These include the suboccipital muscles, splenius, semispinalis, and other posterior cervical muscles. These muscles hold your head upright against gravity, control backward head tilt, and assist with looking up and turning. When damaged, maintaining head position becomes fatiguing, and looking up or turning the head becomes painful and limited.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | |
| 10% | |
| 20% | |
| 30% |
Service records documenting the posterior neck muscle injury, Treatment records for the wound or injury, Cervical extension and rotation range of motion testing, Documentation of head posture abnormalities or forward head position, Statements about difficulty holding the head upright, looking up, and headaches from muscle fatigue