VA Diagnostic Code 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of:
Rated from 30% to 50% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 50%40% non-dominant
Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side
- 40%30% non-dominant
Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable
- 30%20% non-dominant
Favorable, abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: The scapula and humerus move as one piece.
Shoulder Ankylosis (Scapulohumeral Articulation) — VA Diagnostic Code 5200
Musculoskeletal System · Diagnostic Code 5200 · 38 CFR § 4.71a
Understanding This Condition
Ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation refers to the shoulder joint becoming fixed or fused so that it no longer moves freely. Under the VA rating schedule, the scapula and humerus are treated as moving together as one piece.
Because this condition limits how far you can move your arm — including your ability to raise it and reach your face — the VA assigns rating levels based on the severity of that limitation.
An important factor in how this condition is rated is which arm is affected. The VA distinguishes between the dominant (major) extremity and the non-dominant (minor) extremity, and assigns different percentages accordingly.
Available Rating Levels
The VA rates shoulder ankylosis under Diagnostic Code 5200 at the following levels:
| Rating (Dominant Arm) | Rating (Non-Dominant Arm) | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 40% | Unfavorable — abduction limited to 25° from the side |
| 40% | 30% | Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable |
| 30% | 20% | Favorable — abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head |
What the VA Looks For
When rating this condition, the VA evaluates the degree to which the shoulder is fixed and how much arm movement remains. Key factors include:
- Range of abduction — how far the arm can be raised out to the side, measured in degrees.
- Functional ability — whether you can still reach your mouth and head.
- Whether the ankylosis is favorable or unfavorable, or falls somewhere in between.
- Which arm is affected — dominant (major) versus non-dominant (minor) extremity, which changes the assigned percentage.
Note: For the purposes of this rating, the scapula and humerus move as one piece.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual ratings depend on your specific medical evidence and examination findings.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5200. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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