Muscle Group III VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5303 · 38 CFR §4.73
What Is It?
Muscle Group III contains the intrinsic muscles of the shoulder girdle that elevate and abduct the arm to shoulder level. This includes the pectoralis major (sternal portion) and the deltoid muscle. These muscles power the fundamental movement of raising your arm out to the side and forward, which is essential for countless daily activities from reaching for objects to dressing yourself. Combat wounds, training injuries, and shoulder trauma during military service can damage these muscles.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Severe injury to the dominant arm. Non-dominant severe is rated 20 percent. |
| 20% | Moderately severe injury to the dominant or non-dominant arm. |
| 10% | Moderate injury with some loss of strength or endurance in arm elevation. |
| 0% | Slight injury with minimal functional impact. |
Evidence Needed
- Service records documenting the original muscle injury
- Records of surgical intervention or prolonged treatment
- Current strength testing for arm elevation and abduction
- Documentation of muscle wasting, scarring, or tissue loss
- Statements describing difficulty raising the arm and performing overhead tasks
C&P Exam Tips
- Demonstrate your ability to raise your arm to the side and overhead
- Report at what point during elevation pain or weakness stops you
- Show any visible muscle loss or deformity in the shoulder or chest area
- Describe specific daily tasks affected like reaching shelves or lifting objects
- Mention fatigue with repetitive arm elevation
How to File
File under DC 5303 with evidence of the muscle injury and its impact on arm elevation. Specify which arm is affected and your hand dominance.
Common Mistakes
Not distinguishing the muscle injury from a rotator cuff or joint problem — the cause of the elevation deficit matters for coding Failing to document muscle wasting or atrophy which supports a higher severity classification Not specifying dominant versus non-dominant arm Missing the opportunity for separate nerve damage ratings if nerves were also injured
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Muscle Group III injury different from a rotator cuff tear?
Muscle Group III injuries involve damage to the deltoid and pectoral muscles from penetrating trauma or direct injury. Rotator cuff tears involve the deeper stabilizing muscles of the shoulder. They are rated under different codes and both can be present simultaneously.
What if my deltoid was damaged during shoulder surgery?
If the deltoid muscle was damaged as a complication of surgery for a service-connected condition, the muscle damage can be rated as secondary to the original condition. Document the surgical complication and its functional impact.