VASRD 5304 · Musculoskeletal System
Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) at 40% VA Disability Rating
Severe shoulder muscle damage causing major weakness and limited motion.
40%: single veteran, no dependents
$795.84
$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 40%
Severe muscle injury with consistent loss of deep fascia or muscle substance, resulting in significant weakness, fatigue, and limitation of motion.
40% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., 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 IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 40% for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
- How much does a 40% VA rating for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) pay?
- A single veteran rated 40% for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., 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 IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
- Severe muscle injury with consistent loss of deep fascia or muscle substance, resulting in significant weakness, fatigue, and limitation of motion.
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
- Yes. If a condition like Shoulder Tendonitis is service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., 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.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) are on the main condition page.
View full Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) guide