Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment
The VA rates Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment under Diagnostic Code 5203 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 20%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Clavicle or scapula, impairment of.
Rating schedule — DC 5203 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Without loose movement; 10 |
| 20% | Dislocation of; 20 |
“Dislocation of; 20”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5172Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal headRated up to 20%
- 5173Toes, three or four, amputation of, without metatarsal involvementRated up to 20%
- 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
- 5201Arm, limitation of motion ofRated up to 40%
- 5202Humerus, other impairment ofRated up to 80%
- 5205Elbow, ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5206Forearm, limitation of flexion ofRated up to 50%
- 5207Forearm, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5208Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°Rated up to 20%
- 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail jointRated up to 60%
Common Questions About Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment?
The VA rates Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment under Diagnostic Code 5203 at 10%, 20%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Without loose movement; 10. The maximum 20% rating requires: Dislocation of; 20.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment?
The VA rates Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5203, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 20% rating for Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment?
A 10% rating requires: Without loose movement; 10. A 20% rating requires: Dislocation of; 20. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment qualify for TDIU?
Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment maxes at 20%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment?
The key evidence for Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Collarbone or shoulder blade impairment?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5203 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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