Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) at 40% VA Disability Rating

Data last updated September 23, 2026

Severe damage to the shoulder-girdle muscles of your dominant arm.

40% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents

$795.84

$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 40% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.

The full 40% pay chart, with dependents Combine this rating with others

VA Rating Criteria for 40%

Severe disability of Muscle Group I in the dominant (major) upper extremity.

40% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation at a 40% combined rating. 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?

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 40% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 40% combined rating, a single veteran 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, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) gets its own rating, which VA combines with your other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25, so your combined rating can end up higher than 40%.

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 September 22, 2026.

How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.

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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.

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