Group III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5303)

The VA rates Group III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid under Diagnostic Code 5303 at the following tiers: 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Slight; 0. The maximum 40% rating requires: Severe; 30.

Diagnostic Code 5303 is the VA rating identifier for Group III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid 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 III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid under DC 5303 is 40%. This tier requires: Severe; 30. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Group III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid 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 III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.73, Diagnostic Code 5303. 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 III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Group III.Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Function: Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.