DC 5304Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.73Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis

Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5304, from 0% to 30% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 30% rating requires: Severe; 20. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.

Rating schedule — DC 5304 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
30%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%

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 IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis?

0%Disability Rating

Slight; 0

10%Disability Rating

Moderate; 10

20%Disability Rating

Severe; 30

30%Disability Rating

Severe; 20

Severe; 30

Common Questions About Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis?

The VA rates Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis under Diagnostic Code 5304 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. The maximum 30% rating requires: Severe; 20.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis?

The VA rates Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5304, 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 30% rating for Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis?

A 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. A 30% rating requires: Severe; 20. 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 IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

Veterans rated for Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis 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 IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis?

Service connection for Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis 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 IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Group IV.Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis 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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