VASRD 5321 · Musculoskeletal System
Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles at 20% VA Disability Rating
Severe or moderately severe damage to the chest-wall breathing muscles.
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Severe or moderately severe injury of Muscle Group XXI. The schedule pays these two steps at the same evaluation, and 20 percent is the ceiling for this code.
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles rated at 20%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
| With spouse | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $356.66 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $356.66 |
Lower tier
10% Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles
$180.42 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Muscle Group XXI - Respiratory muscles 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 XXI - Respiratory muscles?
- Severe or moderately severe injury of Muscle Group XXI. The schedule pays these two steps at the same evaluation, and 20 percent is the ceiling for this code.
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- 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 20% alone.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.73 — Schedule of ratings — muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5321)
- VA.gov — 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025
Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on August 16, 2026.
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
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