VASRD 5301 · Musculoskeletal System

Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) at 30% VA Disability Rating

Severe damage on your non-dominant side, or moderately severe damage on your dominant side.

30%: single veteran, no dependents

$552.47

$6,629.64/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA Rating Criteria for 30%

Severe disability of Muscle Group I in the non-dominant (minor) upper extremity; or moderately severe disability in the dominant (major) upper extremity.

30% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation amounts for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) rated at 30%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.

Single (no dependents)$552.47
With spouse$617.47
With spouse + 1 child$666.47
With spouse + 2 children$698.47
Single + 1 child (no spouse)$596.47

Lower tier

20% Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)

$356.66 /mo single

Higher tier

40% Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)

$795.84 /mo single

Common questions about 30% for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)

How much does a 30% VA rating for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) pay?
A single veteran rated 30% for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) receives $552.47 per month ($6,629.64/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $666.47.
What does it take to get a 30% rating for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
Severe disability of Muscle Group I in the non-dominant (minor) upper extremity; or moderately severe disability in the dominant (major) upper extremity.
What's the difference between 30% and 40% for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
30%: Severe damage on your non-dominant side, or moderately severe damage on your dominant side. 40%: Severe damage to the shoulder-girdle muscles of your dominant arm.
Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 30%?
Yes. If a condition like Shoulder dislocation is service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae), the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 30% alone.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.73 — Schedule of ratings — muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5301)
  2. VA.gov — 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025

Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on August 16, 2026.

See all rating tiers and evidence guidance

Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) are on the main condition page.

View full Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) guide
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