Humerus impairment
The VA rates Humerus impairment under Diagnostic Code 5202 across 7 severity levels, from 20% to 80%. 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: Humerus, other impairment of.
Rating schedule — DC 5202 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 80%
- Rating tiers
- 7
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Humerus impairment?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements; 30 |
| 30% | With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements; 20 |
| 40% | Fibrous union of; 50 |
| 50% | Nonunion of (false flail joint); 60 |
| 60% | Nonunion of (false flail joint); 50 |
| 70% | Loss of head of (flail shoulder); 80 |
| 80% | Loss of head of (flail shoulder); 70 |
“Nonunion of (false flail joint); 60”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Humerus 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.
- 5171Toe, great, amputation ofRated up to 30%
- 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%
- 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment ofRated up to 20%
- 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%
Common Questions About Humerus impairment VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Humerus impairment?
The VA rates Humerus impairment under Diagnostic Code 5202 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%. The minimum 20% rating requires: With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements; 30. The maximum 80% rating requires: Loss of head of (flail shoulder); 70.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Humerus impairment?
The VA rates Humerus impairment under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5202, 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 20% and a 80% rating for Humerus impairment?
A 20% rating requires: With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements; 30. A 80% rating requires: Loss of head of (flail shoulder); 70. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Humerus impairment qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 80% rating for Humerus impairment alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Humerus impairment?
The key evidence for Humerus 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 Humerus impairment?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5202 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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