Groin Strain (Chronic)

Severe muscle disability (per § 4.56(d)(4)): through-and-through or deep penetrating wound by small high-velocity missile or large low-velocity missile, with extensive debridement, prolonged infection, or sloughing of soft parts. Objective: ragged / depressed / adherent scars; loss of deep fascia, muscle substance, normal firm resistance; palpable evidence of weakened contraction. For adductor injury specifically, this tier applies to complete adductor avulsion with surgical repair or chronic refractory adductor tendinopathy with documented strength deficit and functional limitation.

Moderately Severe muscle disability (per § 4.56(d)(3)): through-and-through or deep penetrating wound with debridement, prolonged infection, or sloughing of soft parts, with intermuscular scarring. Objective: moderate loss of deep fascia / muscle substance / firm resistance; strength testing demonstrates positive impairment. For adductor strain: documented partial tear with hematoma, brief immobilization, and lowered threshold of fatigue.

Moderate muscle disability (per § 4.56(d)(2)): through-and-through or deep penetrating short-track wound, without high-velocity explosive effect or prolonged infection. Objective: small/linear scars; some loss of deep fascia / muscle substance; impaired tonus; lowered fatigue threshold. For adductor strain: documented strain with imaging confirmation and residual mild functional limitation.

Slight muscle disability (per § 4.56(d)(1)): simple wound or strain without debridement, infection, or residual functional impairment; minimal scar; no fascial defect, atrophy, or impaired tonus.