Muscle Group I Injury — VA Rating (DC 5301)
The VA rates Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle under Diagnostic Code 5301 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5301 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.73
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
This diagnostic code covers a muscle group or general rating formula rather than a specific medical condition. The rating criteria below apply when the VA evaluates injuries to this muscle group.
What are the VA rating criteria for Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight; 0 |
| 10% | Moderate; 10 |
| 20% | Moderately Severe; 30 |
| 30% | Severe; 40 |
| 40% | Severe; 30 |
“Moderately Severe; 30”
Common Questions About Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle?
The VA rates Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle under Diagnostic Code 5301 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. The maximum 40% rating requires: Severe; 30.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle?
The VA rates Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5301, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 40% rating for Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle?
A 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. A 40% rating requires: Severe; 30. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle?
The key evidence for Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Group I.Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level.(1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5301 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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