Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)

Under 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5304 rates injury of Muscle Group IV: the intrinsic muscles of the shoulder girdle, which the schedule lists as the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus and teres minor, the subscapularis and the coracobrachialis. Their stated function is stabilization of the shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding the head of the humerus in its socket, abduction, and outward and inward rotation of the arm. The code grades the injury as slight, moderate, moderately severe or severe, in two columns for the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) extremity. Severe is 30 percent major and 20 percent minor. Moderately severe is 20 percent in both columns. Moderate is 10 percent in both, and slight is 0 percent in both. The highest evaluation DC 5304 provides is 30 percent, and only for the dominant extremity — Group IV sits lower than Groups I, II and III, which reach 40. Note what this code is for: § 4.73 is the schedule of ratings for MUSCLE INJURIES, and the four muscles Group IV names are the rotator cuff plus the coracobrachialis. Where a shoulder disability is evaluated instead on limitation of arm motion — which is how most rotator cuff tears are rated — the applicable code is DC 5201 in § 4.71a, not DC 5304, and the percentages are different.

Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis). 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 Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) is frequently claimed.

Common questions about Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)

Is Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) under VASRD diagnostic code 5304 (Musculoskeletal System). Injury to the muscles that hold the head of the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket and rotate the arm — the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapu…

What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)?

Possible VA ratings for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30%: Severe damage to the shoulder stabilizer muscles of your dominant arm.; 20%: Severe damage on your non-dominant side, or moderately severe damage on either side.; 10%: Moderate dam…

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 12,700 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapulari…

What evidence helps prove Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) 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 Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)?

Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis): No functional testing included; Missing physical therapy or rehab documentation; Vague symptom descriptions.

What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) include: Shoulder Tendonitis, Radiculopathy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

1. 38 CFR § 4.73 — Schedule of ratings — muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5304)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.