Dislocation, Shoulder
Dislocation, Shoulder is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 5202 in the Shoulder & Arm category. Maximum rating: 80%.
Shoulder Range of Motion
Source: 38 CFR § 4.71 - Measurement of ankylosis and joint motion
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Loss of head of humerus (flail shoulder), major arm |
| 70% | Loss of head of humerus (flail shoulder), minor arm |
| 60% | Nonunion of humerus (false flail joint), major arm |
| 50% | Nonunion of humerus (false flail joint), minor arm |
| 50% | Fibrous union of humerus, major arm |
| 40% | Fibrous union of humerus, minor arm |
| 30% | Recurrent dislocation at scapulohumeral joint, major arm, frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements |
| 20% | Recurrent dislocation at scapulohumeral joint, minor arm, frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements |
| 20% | Recurrent dislocation at scapulohumeral joint, major arm, infrequent episodes and guarding of movement only at shoulder level |
| 20% | Recurrent dislocation at scapulohumeral joint, minor arm, infrequent episodes and guarding of movement only at shoulder level |
| 30% | Malunion of humerus, major arm, marked deformity |
| 20% | Malunion of humerus, minor arm, marked deformity |
| 20% | Malunion of humerus, major arm, moderate deformity |
| 20% | Malunion of humerus, minor arm, moderate deformity |
Important Notes
Major = dominant arm, Minor = non-dominant arm. See 38 CFR § 4.69 for determination of major/minor.
Filing Tips
Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.
Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.
Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.
Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.
Review the rating criteria for DC 5202 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.
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Related Conditions
Above insertion of deltoid
DC 5121
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Amputation - Below the Point where the Deltoid attaches to the Arm
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Amputation - Below the Shoulder, but Above the point where the Deltoid attaches to the Arm
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Amputation - Forequarter Amputation
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Amputation - From the Shoulder Joint Down
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Ankylosis - Shoulder Joint
DC 5200
Arm, limitation of motion
DC 5201