---
title: "DC 5121 - Above insertion of deltoid"
diagnostic_code: "5121"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5121-above-insertion-of-deltoid"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:21:53.118900Z"
---

# DC 5121 - Above insertion of deltoid

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 90% | 80% | Above insertion of deltoid |

## Notes

- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Amputation of the Arm — Above Insertion of Deltoid (Diagnostic Code 5121)

**VA Disability Rating for Arm Amputation Above the Insertion of the Deltoid**

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5121 falls under the **Musculoskeletal System** and is evaluated using the VA rating schedule found in **§ 4.71a**. This entry addresses amputation of the arm at a level **above the insertion of the deltoid** — the point where the deltoid muscle attaches to the upper arm.

Because the arm you write and perform most tasks with matters, the VA distinguishes between a **dominant (major)** extremity and a **non-dominant (minor)** extremity when assigning a rating.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **90%** | Amputation above the insertion of the deltoid | **80%** |

- If the affected arm is your **dominant** extremity, this condition is rated at **90%**.
- If the affected arm is your **non-dominant** extremity, this condition is rated at **80%**.

## Special Monthly Compensation

According to the rating notes, this level of amputation is **entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC)**. SMC is an additional benefit that may apply in certain circumstances involving the loss or loss of use of an extremity.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating under Diagnostic Code 5121, the VA focuses on:

- Whether the amputation occurs **above the insertion of the deltoid** on the upper arm.
- **Which arm is affected** — your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity — since this determines the applicable rating percentage.
- Whether the criteria for **special monthly compensation** are met, as noted for this diagnostic code.

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