VASRD 5321 · Musculoskeletal System
Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles at 10% VA Disability Rating
Slight difficulty with breathing under exertion
10%: single veteran, no dependents
$180.42
$2,165.04/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
10% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles rated at 10%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $180.42 |
| With spouse | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $180.42 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $180.42 |
Higher tier
20% Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles
$356.66 /mo single
Common questions about 10% for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles
- How much does a 10% VA rating for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles pay?
- A single veteran rated 10% for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles receives $180.42 per month ($2,165.04/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 $180.42.
- What does it take to get a 10% rating for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles?
- Slight difficulty with breathing under exertion
- What's the difference between 10% and 20% for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles?
- 10%: Slight difficulty with breathing under exertion 20%: Moderate, chronic respiratory effort
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 10%?
- Yes. If a condition like Shortness of breath is service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 10% alone.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles are on the main condition page.
View full Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles guide