---
title: "DC 5304 - Group 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"
diagnostic_code: "5304"
body_system: "Muscle Injuries"
cfr_section: "§ 4.73"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/muscle-injuries/5304-group-iv-function-stabilization-of-shoulder-against-injury"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.73"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:07:18.051972Z"
---

# DC 5304 - Group 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 under § 4.73. Body system: Muscle Injuries.

## Rating criteria

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

1. **Supraspinatus**
2. **Infraspinatus and teres minor**
3. **Subscapularis**
4. **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.

| Severity | 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.

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*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.*

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