Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5301
Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles Secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles when it develops after Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage).
Why Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles Is Linked to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
Due to lack of use
Primary condition · VASRD 8510
Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
Damage to the upper nerves in the shoulder, affecting arm and neck movement.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5301
Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles
Damage to muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint.
Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) — severity of Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
30% Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) + 20% Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles = 44%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 30% and 20% combine to 44%, not 50%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles Secondary Claim
- •An orthopedic report documenting the muscle injury and its severity.
- •Physical therapy records tracking strength and function.
- •An MRI showing the extent of the muscle damage.
Common questions about Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
- Can Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles be service-connected as secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Due to lack of use You'll need a current Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Upper…
- What VA rating can I get for Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles as a secondary condition?
- Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5301 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 10%, 20%, 30%. The rating depends on the severity of Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles itself, not on the severity of Upper Radicular Group (N…
- How does a secondary Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 30% rating for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) combined with a 20% rating for Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles (example figures) produces a combined rating of 44%, not 50%. Approving Muscle Group I - Shoulder…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles as secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles diagnosis includes: An orthopedic report documenting the muscle injury and its severity.; Physical therapy records tracking strength and function.; An MRI showing the extent of the muscle damage.. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter…
Primary condition
Full Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) guide
Secondary condition
Full Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) and Muscle Group I - Shoulder girdle muscles combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator