Muscle Group I VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5301 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group I includes the extrinsic muscles of the shoulder girdle, specifically the trapezius, levator scapulae, and serratus magnus. These muscles control upward rotation of the arm and support the shoulder blade against the rib cage. They are essential for lifting overhead, carrying loads, and stabilizing the shoulder during arm movements. Injuries to these muscles commonly occur from shrapnel wounds, gunshot wounds, blast injuries, and heavy lifting trauma during military service.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Severe injury to the dominant arm with extensive tissue loss, intermuscular scarring, and severe impairment of function. Non-dominant severe is rated 30 percent. |
| 30% | Moderately severe injury to the dominant arm with indications of loss of deep fascia, muscle substance, or normal firm resistance, or with evidence of impaired coordination and lowered endurance. |
| 10% | Moderate muscle injury with some loss of deep tissue or muscle substance, lowered endurance, or some impairment of coordination. For the dominant or non-dominant arm. |
| 0% | Slight muscle injury with minimal scarring, no loss of deep tissue, and full range of motion and strength. |
Evidence Needed
- Service medical records documenting the original muscle injury
- Records of any surgery, debridement, or prolonged treatment
- Current examination showing muscle strength, endurance, and coordination
- Documentation of scarring, tissue loss, and any retained foreign bodies
- Statements describing how the shoulder muscle injury affects daily tasks and work
C&P Exam Tips
- Describe the original injury mechanism in detail
- Report loss of strength with overhead reaching and lifting
- Mention fatigue that sets in with repetitive arm use
- Show any visible scarring or muscle deformity
- Specify whether the injury is on your dominant or non-dominant side, as ratings differ
How to File
File under DC 5301 with documentation of the original muscle injury and current functional impairment. Specify which arm is affected and whether it is your dominant arm. If nerve damage accompanies the muscle injury, file that as a separate claim under the appropriate nerve code.
Common Mistakes
Not specifying dominant versus non-dominant arm, which changes the rating amount Failing to document the severity of the original injury including hospitalization and treatment duration Not claiming separate nerve damage when both muscle and nerve were injured Overlooking retained metallic fragments which support the severity of the original wound
Frequently Asked Questions
How does VA determine the severity of a muscle injury?
VA classifies muscle injuries as slight, moderate, moderately severe, or severe based on the type of injury, treatment required, current findings on examination, and functional impairment. Factors include the velocity and nature of the wounding agent, hospitalization duration, and current muscle strength and endurance.
Does it matter which arm was injured?
Yes. For certain rating levels, the dominant arm receives a higher percentage than the non-dominant arm. Make sure your claim specifies which arm is affected and which is your dominant arm.