---
title: "DC 5122 - Below insertion of deltoid"
diagnostic_code: "5122"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5122-below-insertion-of-deltoid"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:22:13.957317Z"
---

# DC 5122 - Below insertion of deltoid

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 80% | 70% | Below insertion of deltoid |

## Notes

- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

# VA Disability Rating: Amputation Below Insertion of Deltoid (Diagnostic Code 5122)

## Understanding This Rating

**Diagnostic Code 5122** falls under the **Musculoskeletal System** and is defined in **§ 4.71a** of the VA rating schedule. This code addresses an amputation of the arm at a level **below the insertion of the deltoid** muscle.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a rating based on which arm is affected — your **dominant** (major) arm or your **non-dominant** (minor) arm.

| Rating | Affected Extremity | Criteria |
|--------|-------------------|----------|
| **80%** | Dominant (major) extremity | Below insertion of deltoid |
| **70%** | Non-dominant (minor) extremity | Below insertion of deltoid |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under this diagnostic code, the VA considers:

- **The level of the amputation** — specifically, whether the amputation is located below the insertion of the deltoid.
- **Which arm is affected** — the rating differs depending on whether the amputation involves the dominant or non-dominant extremity.

## Additional Note

This condition may also qualify a veteran for **special monthly compensation** (SMC), an additional benefit that may apply in certain circumstances beyond the standard rating percentage.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5122). Individual ratings are determined by the VA based on the specifics of each case.*

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