Injury to muscles that straighten the hip.
Because the rating levels are defined in § 4.56, medical evidence that reflects the factors described there will be most relevant. Records documenting the location and extent of muscle damage, surgical or wound reports, and imaging that shows the degree of tissue involvement can help establish severity. Physical examination findings that reflect weakness, loss of muscle bulk or tone, impaired range of motion at the hip, and difficulty with weight-bearing or balance are directly tied to how well the gluteus group is functioning. Findings about fatigue, pain on use, or tenderness upon palpation also speak to the § 4.56 criteria. Statements from you or people who know you describing how hip and pelvic instability affects walking, standing, climbing, or other daily and work activities can show the functional impact of the injury. If there is any evidence of loss of use of a lower extremity or both buttocks, that should be documented clearly, as it triggers review for special monthly compensation under § 3.350.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
