Muscle Group I — Extrinsic Scapular Muscles

DC 5301Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5301

Muscle Group I includes the extrinsic muscles of the shoulder girdle: the trapezius, levator scapulae, and serratus anterior. These muscles are responsible for upward rotation of the scapula, elevation of the arm above shoulder level, and stabilization of the shoulder blade against the chest wall during overhead movements. In military service, injuries commonly occur from heavy rucksack carry placing sustained load on the trapezius and levator scapulae, overhead lifting of equipment and ordnance, repetitive pushing and pulling during maintenance tasks, and blast or shrapnel wounds to the upper back and shoulder region. The VA rates Muscle Group I injuries under 38 CFR 4.73 based on the severity of muscle damage and resulting functional impairment.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5301

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5301. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your Muscle Group I injury on the dominant side is severe. There is extensive ragged or adhesive scarring with severe loss of muscle substance and visible muscle atrophy. You have profound weakness in upward scapular rotation with significant functional loss of arm elevation. X-ray may show minute scattered foreign bodies or bony changes. The non-dominant side is rated at 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe loss of muscle substance visible on examination
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Adaptive contraction or atrophy of opposing muscle group
Profound loss of power and inability to perform overhead tasks

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — the VA needs to understand how your military occupational activities led to the muscle group damage, including rucksack weight, overhead lifting requirements, and duration of repetitive tasks.
⚠Failing to describe the cardinal signs of muscle disability per 38 CFR 4.56 — loss of power, weakness, lowered threshold of fatigue, fatigue-pain, impairment of coordination, and uncertainty of movement must each be addressed during examination.
⚠Not distinguishing between dominant and non-dominant side — Muscle Group I ratings differ based on handedness for moderately severe and severe levels, so your dominant hand must be clearly documented.
⚠Overlooking the impact on scapular winging — serratus anterior involvement can cause winging of the scapula, which is a distinct functional impairment that should be documented and may support a higher rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Muscle Injuries

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Muscle Group I — Extrinsic Scapular Muscles

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5301

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe loss of muscle substance visible on examination
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Adaptive contraction or atrophy of opposing muscle group
Profound loss of power and inability to perform overhead tasks

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — the VA needs to understand how your military occupational activities led to the muscle group damage, including rucksack weight, overhead lifting requirements, and duration of repetitive tasks.

⚠Failing to describe the cardinal signs of muscle disability per 38 CFR 4.56 — loss of power, weakness, lowered threshold of fatigue, fatigue-pain, impairment of coordination, and uncertainty of movement must each be addressed during examination.

⚠Not distinguishing between dominant and non-dominant side — Muscle Group I ratings differ based on handedness for moderately severe and severe levels, so your dominant hand must be clearly documented.

⚠Overlooking the impact on scapular winging — serratus anterior involvement can cause winging of the scapula, which is a distinct functional impairment that should be documented and may support a higher rating.