VASRD 5304 · Musculoskeletal System

Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) VA Disability Rating

Injury to muscles stabilizing the shoulder blade and assisting with arm movement.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%Severe shoulder muscle damage causing major weakness and limited motion.
30%Moderate to serious weakness in shoulder muscles after activity.
20%Some shoulder fatigue and weakness with regular use.
0%Muscle damage exists but doesn't impact daily function.

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)

Diagnosis of shoulder muscle injury (Group IV), functional tests, imaging (e.g., MRI), and range-of-motion assessment.

Approval rate

Moderate – depends on severity and functional loss.

Annual service-connected

12,700 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •MRI showing muscle atrophy or damage
  • •Range-of-motion and strength testing
  • •Physical therapy records
  • •Personal statement on daily limitations

Strategy Tips

  • •Include physical therapy and strength tests
  • •Describe impact on work and daily activities
  • •Provide medical imaging to support diagnosis

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Downplaying weakness during range-of-motion tests
  • •Inconsistent strength measurement results
  • •No imaging or clinical confirmation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No functional testing included
  • •Missing physical therapy or rehab documentation
  • •Vague symptom descriptions

Onset Patterns

  • •Often develops during or after heavy physical work or trauma
  • •May worsen with age and repetitive stress

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Shoulder Tendonitis

    Muscle weakness can lead to tendon strain and inflammation.

  • Radiculopathy

    Chronic muscle imbalance may cause nerve compression.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) is frequently claimed.

Army42RBand MemberArmy42SSpecial Band MemberMarines372Critical Skills OperatorMarines1181Fabric Repair Specialist

Common questions about Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)

Is Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) under VASRD diagnostic code 5304 (Musculoskeletal System). Injury to muscles stabilizing the shoulder blade and assisting with arm movement.
What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) are 40%, 30%, 20%, 0%. Examples: 40% — Severe shoulder muscle damage causing major weakness and limited motion.; 30% — Moderate to serious weakness in shoulder muscles after activity.; 20% — Some shoulder fatigue and…
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
The average awarded rating for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) is 20%. Roughly 12,700 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – depends on severity and…
What evidence helps prove Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) claim includes: MRI showing muscle atrophy or damage; Range-of-motion and strength testing; Physical therapy records; Personal statement on daily limitations.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae): No functional testing included; Missing physical therapy or rehab documentation; Vague symptom descriptions.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) include: Shoulder Tendonitis, Radiculopathy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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