---
title: "DC 5120 - Complete amputation, upper extremity:"
diagnostic_code: "5120"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5120-complete-amputation-upper-extremity"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:21:30.048384Z"
---

# DC 5120 - Complete amputation, upper extremity:

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100% | 100% | Forequarter amputation (involving complete removal of the humerus along with any portion of the scapula, clavicle, and/or ribs) |
| 90% | 90% | Disarticulation (involving complete removal of the humerus only) |

## Notes

- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity (VA Diagnostic Code 5120)

## Understanding This Rating

Complete amputation of the upper extremity is rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 5120**, part of the **Musculoskeletal System** and governed by **38 CFR § 4.71a**.

This diagnostic code addresses the complete loss of an upper extremity through amputation at the shoulder level. Because these are among the most significant losses recognized in the rating schedule, the assigned percentages are high and remain the same whether the affected arm is your dominant ("major") or non-dominant ("minor") side.

**Important:** A rating under this code entitles the veteran to **special monthly compensation** — an additional benefit recognized for this level of loss.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA evaluates this condition using two rating levels based on how much of the arm and surrounding structures were removed:

### 100% — Forequarter Amputation
Assigned for a forequarter amputation, which involves the **complete removal of the humerus along with any portion of the scapula, clavicle, and/or ribs**.

- **Dominant (major) extremity:** 100%
- **Non-dominant (minor) extremity:** 100%

### 90% — Disarticulation
Assigned for a disarticulation, which involves the **complete removal of the humerus only**.

- **Dominant (major) extremity:** 90%
- **Non-dominant (minor) extremity:** 90%

## What the VA Looks For

When rating under Diagnostic Code 5120, the VA distinguishes between two levels of amputation:

- **Forequarter amputation** — the complete removal of the humerus *together with* any portion of the scapula, clavicle, and/or ribs. This is the more extensive loss and corresponds to the 100% level.
- **Disarticulation** — the complete removal of the humerus *only*. This corresponds to the 90% level.

Note that under this diagnostic code, the rating percentage does **not** change based on whether the affected extremity is dominant or non-dominant.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5120). It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a