VA Diagnostic Code 5304Group IV. Function: Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis
Rated from 0% to 30% under § 4.73. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 30%20% non-dominant
Severe
- 20%20% non-dominant
Moderately Severe
- 10%10% non-dominant
Moderate
- 0%0% non-dominant
Slight
VA Disability Rating: Shoulder Girdle Muscle Injuries (Group IV)
Diagnostic Code 5304 · 38 CFR § 4.73 · Body System: Muscle Injuries
What This Rating Covers
Diagnostic Code 5304 addresses injuries to the Muscle Group IV — the intrinsic muscles of the shoulder girdle. These muscles are responsible for the function of stabilizing the shoulder against injury during strong movements, holding the head of the humerus in its socket, and controlling abduction as well as the outward and inward rotation of the arm.
The intrinsic muscles included in this group are:
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus and teres minor
- Subscapularis
- Coracobrachialis
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a rating based on the severity of the muscle injury. Ratings differ depending on whether the injury affects the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.
| Criteria | Dominant (Major) Extremity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| Severe | 30% | 20% |
| Moderately Severe | 20% | 20% |
| Moderate | 10% | 10% |
| Slight | 0% | 0% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating an injury under this code, the VA evaluates the degree of severity of the muscle injury — classified as Slight, Moderate, Moderately Severe, or Severe. The VA also considers which arm is affected, since ratings are adjusted for the dominant versus the non-dominant extremity.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the rating schedule details for Diagnostic Code 5304. Individual rating decisions depend on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.73, diagnostic code 5304. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
View official sourceHow to claim this
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File under diagnostic code 5304 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Muscle Injuries codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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