VA Rating Criteria — DC 5302
The VA rates Muscle group II injury under Diagnostic Code 5302 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Group II.Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward rotation of scapula (3, 4); 1 and 2 act with Group III in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3) pectoralis minor; (4) rhomboid.
Rating schedule — DC 5302 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.73
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 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 Muscle group II injury?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Slight; 0 |
| 20% | Moderately Severe; 30 |
| 30% | Severe; 40 |
| 40% | Severe; 30 |
“Severe; 40”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Muscle group II injury in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5278Claw foot (pes cavus), acquiredRated up to 50%
- 5279Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease), unilateral, or bilateralRated up to 10%
- 5280Hallux valgus, unilateralRated up to 10%
- 5281Hallux rigidus, unilateral, severeRated up to 0%
- 5282Hammer toeRated up to 10%
- 5283Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion ofRated up to 30%
- 5284Foot injuries, otherRated up to 30%
- 5296Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tablesRated up to 80%
- 5297Ribs, removal ofRated up to 50%
- 5298Coccyx, removal ofRated up to 10%
Common Questions About Muscle group II injury VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Muscle group II injury?
The VA rates Muscle group II injury under Diagnostic Code 5302 at 0%, 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 Muscle group II injury?
The VA rates Muscle group II injury under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5302, 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 Muscle group II injury?
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 Muscle group II injury qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Muscle group II injury 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 Muscle group II injury?
The key evidence for Muscle group II injury 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 Muscle group II injury?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5302 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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