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 Rating Criteria (38 CFR 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 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. The maximum 40% rating requires: Severe; 30.

Diagnostic Code 5301 is the VA rating identifier 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 within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular 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 under DC 5301 is 40%. This tier requires: Severe; 30. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to 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 alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

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. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by 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 be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

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 depends on the body system. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and documented flare-ups are the most impactful evidence. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

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%, below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if 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 alone prevents work regardless of the rating percentage.