VASRD 5301 · Musculoskeletal System
Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) at 40% VA Disability Rating
Severe damage to the shoulder-girdle muscles of your dominant arm.
40%: single veteran, no dependents
$795.84
$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 40%
Severe disability of Muscle Group I in the dominant (major) upper extremity.
40% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) rated at 40%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $795.84 |
| With spouse | $882.84 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $947.84 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $990.84 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $853.84 |
Lower tier
30% Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 40% for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
- How much does a 40% VA rating for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) pay?
- A single veteran rated 40% for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) receives $795.84 per month ($9,550.08/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 $947.84.
- What does it take to get a 40% rating for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
- Severe disability of Muscle Group I in the dominant (major) upper extremity.
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
- 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 40% alone.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.73 — Schedule of ratings — muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5301)
- 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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