Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) at 20% VA Disability Rating

Common questions about 20% for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)

How much does a 20% VA rating for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) pay?

A single veteran rated 20% for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis) receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/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 $356.66.

What does it take to get a 20% rating for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)?

Severe disability of Muscle Group IV in the non-dominant (minor) upper extremity; or moderately severe disability in either the dominant (major) or the non-dominant (minor) extremity.

What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis)?

20%: Severe damage on your non-dominant side, or moderately severe damage on either side. 30%: Severe damage to the shoulder stabilizer muscles of your dominant arm.

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?

Yes. If a condition like Shoulder Tendonitis is service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles (Supraspinatus, Subscapularis), the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 20% alone.