DC 5200Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71a

Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of

The VA rates Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5200 across 4 severity levels, from 20% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 5200 at a glance

Minimum rating
20%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
50%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

20%, 30%, 40%, 50%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of?

RatingCriteria
20%

Favorable, abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head; 30

Note: Favorable position = arm at side in internal rotation or slight abduction.

30%

Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable; 40

40%

Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side; 50

50%

Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side; 40

Note: This is the worst unfavorable position.

Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side; 50

Common Questions About Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of?

The VA rates Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5200 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Favorable, abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head; 30. The maximum 50% rating requires: Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side; 40.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of?

The VA rates Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5200, 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 50% rating for Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of?

A 20% rating requires: Favorable, abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head; 30. A 50% rating requires: Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side; 40. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of qualify for TDIU?

Possibly. Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of?

The key evidence for Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of 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 Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5200 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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