Muscle Group IV — Intrinsic Shoulder Girdle (Stabilizers)

DC 5304Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.73, DC 5304

Muscle Group IV includes the intrinsic muscles of the shoulder girdle that act as stabilizers: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis (the rotator cuff muscles). These muscles stabilize the shoulder joint and control rotation of the arm. In military service, injuries commonly occur from repetitive overhead throwing motions (grenades, loading rounds), heavy weapon recoil, falls onto outstretched arms during training, direct trauma from IED blasts, and chronic strain from sustained load-bearing. The VA rates Muscle Group IV injuries under 38 CFR 4.73.

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 5304

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.73, DC 5304. 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 IV injury is severe. There is extensive scarring with severe loss of rotator cuff muscle substance and visible atrophy. Shoulder stabilization is profoundly impaired, resulting in instability, subluxation episodes, or inability to control arm rotation. This rating applies to both dominant and non-dominant sides.

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe rotator cuff substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Shoulder instability or subluxation episodes
Profound impairment of shoulder stabilization and rotation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — rotator cuff injuries are extremely common in military service and should be linked to specific activities like overhead throwing, weapon handling, or carrying heavy loads.
⚠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.
⚠Confusing a muscle injury claim with a joint condition claim — if you have a rotator cuff tear, it may be rated under either the muscle injury codes (DC 5304) or the shoulder joint codes (DC 5200-5203). Discuss with your representative which approach yields a higher rating.
⚠Not documenting shoulder instability resulting from rotator cuff muscle damage — loss of stabilizer function can cause recurrent subluxation or dislocation, which should be separately documented.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Muscle Injuries

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Muscle Group IV — Intrinsic Shoulder Girdle (Stabilizers)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5304

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Ragged, depressed, or adherent scars
Severe rotator cuff substance loss with visible atrophy
Muscle swelling and hardening abnormally in contraction
X-ray evidence of retained foreign bodies or bony changes
Shoulder instability or subluxation episodes
Profound impairment of shoulder stabilization and rotation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your MOS and specific duties that caused the injury — rotator cuff injuries are extremely common in military service and should be linked to specific activities like overhead throwing, weapon handling, or carrying heavy loads.

⚠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.

⚠Confusing a muscle injury claim with a joint condition claim — if you have a rotator cuff tear, it may be rated under either the muscle injury codes (DC 5304) or the shoulder joint codes (DC 5200-5203). Discuss with your representative which approach yields a higher rating.

⚠Not documenting shoulder instability resulting from rotator cuff muscle damage — loss of stabilizer function can cause recurrent subluxation or dislocation, which should be separately documented.