Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5301
Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) 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 (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) when it develops after Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage).
Why Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) 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 (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
Injury to the muscles that rotate the shoulder blade upward and raise the arm above shoulder level — the trapezius, levator scapulae and serratus magnus.
Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) 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 (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Severe damage to the shoulder-girdle muscles of your dominant arm. |
| 30% | Severe damage on your non-dominant side, or moderately severe damage on your dominant side. |
| 20% | Moderately severe damage to the shoulder-girdle muscles of your non-dominant arm. |
| 10% | Moderate damage to these muscles — rated the same whichever arm is injured. |
| 0% | Slight damage — service-connected, but below the level the schedule pays for. |
Example combined rating
40% Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) + 20% Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) = 52%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 40% and 20% combine to 52%, not 60%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Evidence for a Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) 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 (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
- Can Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) 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 (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to…
- What VA rating can I get for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) as a secondary condition?
- Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5301 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. The rating depends on the severity of Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Leva…
- How does a secondary Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 40% rating for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) combined with a 20% rating for Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 52%, not 60%. Appro…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) as secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) 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 secondar…
Primary condition
Full Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) guide
Secondary condition
Full Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) and Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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