---
title: "DC 5302 - Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward rotation of scapula (3, 4); 1 and 2 act with Group III in forward and backward swing of arm. Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3) pectoralis minor; (4) rhomboid"
diagnostic_code: "5302"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5302-group-ii-function-depression-of-arm-from-vertical-overhead"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:06:40.866591Z"
---

# DC 5302 - Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward rotation of scapula (3, 4); 1 and 2 act with Group III in forward and backward swing of arm. Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3) pectoralis minor; (4) rhomboid

Rated under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

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

# Muscle Injuries of the Shoulder Girdle — Group II (Diagnostic Code 5302)

*Rated under 38 CFR § 4.73 — Muscle Injuries*

## What This Rating Covers

Diagnostic Code 5302 addresses injuries to the **Group II muscles** of the shoulder girdle. These are the extrinsic muscles that support key shoulder movements, including:

- **Depression of the arm** from a vertical overhead position down to hanging at the side
- **Downward rotation of the scapula** (shoulder blade)
- Working together with the Group III muscles to produce the **forward and backward swing of the arm**

The muscles in this group include:

1. **Pectoralis major II** (costosternal)
2. **Latissimus dorsi and teres major** (the teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included here with the latissimus dorsi)
3. **Pectoralis minor**
4. **Rhomboid**

When these muscles are injured, movements such as lowering the arm from overhead, rotating the shoulder blade, and swinging the arm can be affected.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA rates Group II muscle injuries based on the severity of the injury. Because arm function differs between a person's dominant and non-dominant side, the rating schedule lists separate percentages for each.

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

## What the VA Looks At

When rating a Group II muscle injury, the VA classifies the injury by severity — **Slight**, **Moderate**, **Moderately Severe**, or **Severe** — and applies the corresponding percentage.

The VA also considers **which arm is affected**: injuries to the dominant (major) extremity may be rated higher than the same level of injury to the non-dominant (minor) extremity, as reflected in the table above.

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*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5302. It does not guarantee any particular rating outcome. Ratings depend on the specific facts and medical evidence of each individual claim.*

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