DC 5202Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71aLast verified: APR 22, 2026

Humerus, other impairment of

Humerus, other impairment of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5202, from 20% to 80% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 80% rating requires: Loss of head of (flail shoulder); 70. Most claims establish the 20% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.

Rating schedule — DC 5202 at a glance

Minimum rating
20%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
80%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
7

20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%

CFR section
38 CFR § 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Humerus, other impairment of?

20%Disability Rating

With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements; 30

30%Disability Rating

With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements; 20

40%Disability Rating

Fibrous union of; 50

50%Disability Rating

Nonunion of (false flail joint); 60

60%Disability Rating

Nonunion of (false flail joint); 50

70%Disability Rating

Loss of head of (flail shoulder); 80

80%Disability Rating

Loss of head of (flail shoulder); 70

Nonunion of (false flail joint); 60

Common Questions About Humerus, other impairment of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Humerus, other impairment of?

The VA rates Humerus, other impairment of 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, other impairment of?

The VA rates Humerus, other impairment of 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, other impairment of?

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, other impairment of qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

Veterans rated for Humerus, other impairment of may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Humerus, other impairment of?

Service connection for Humerus, other impairment of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.

What is the C&P exam like for Humerus, other impairment of?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Humerus, other impairment of uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.

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