DC 5301Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.73Last verified: APR 22, 2026

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

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 rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5301, from 0% to 40% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 40% rating requires: Severe; 30. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.

Rating schedule — DC 5301 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
40%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
5

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%

CFR section
38 CFR § 4.73

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

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?

0%Disability Rating

Slight; 0

10%Disability Rating

Moderate; 10

20%Disability Rating

Moderately Severe; 30

30%Disability Rating

Severe; 40

40%Disability Rating

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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

Veterans rated 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 may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What evidence do I need to establish service connection 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?

Service connection 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 requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.

What is the C&P exam like 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 Compensation & Pension (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 uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.

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