---
title: "DC 5301 - Group I. Function: Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level. Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus"
diagnostic_code: "5301"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5301-group-i-function-upward-rotation-of-scapula-elevation-of-arm"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:06:19.443067Z"
---

# DC 5301 - Group I. Function: Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level. Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | Severe |
| 30% | 20% | Moderately Severe |
| 10% | 10% | Moderate |
| 0% | 0% | Slight |

# VA Disability Rating: Muscle Injuries — Group I Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Diagnostic Code 5301)

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5301 covers injuries to the **Group I muscles of the shoulder girdle**. These are the extrinsic muscles responsible for the **upward rotation of the scapula** and **elevation of the arm above shoulder level**.

The muscles in this group are:

1. **Trapezius**
2. **Levator scapulae**
3. **Serratus magnus**

This condition is rated under **§ 4.73** in the **Muscle Injuries** body system.

## How the VA Rates This Condition

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the muscle injury. Ratings differ depending on whether the injury affects your **dominant (major)** or **non-dominant (minor)** arm.

| Severity Level | Dominant Extremity | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| **Severe** | 40% | 30% |
| **Moderately Severe** | 30% | 20% |
| **Moderate** | 10% | 10% |
| **Slight** | 0% | 0% |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a Group I muscle injury, the VA evaluates the **severity of the muscle disability** — classified as **Slight**, **Moderate**, **Moderately Severe**, or **Severe**.

The VA also considers **which arm is affected**. Injuries to the dominant (major) arm may be rated higher than the same injury to the non-dominant (minor) arm at the more serious severity levels.

Because this muscle group governs upward rotation of the scapula and raising the arm above shoulder level, the VA's evaluation is focused on how the injury impacts these functions.

---

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is based on the VA rating schedule under § 4.73. It is not legal advice, and individual rating outcomes depend on the specific facts of each claim.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73