---
title: "DC 5200 - Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of:"
diagnostic_code: "5200"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5200-scapulohumeral-articulation-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:42:37.167013Z"
---

# DC 5200 - Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50% | 40% | Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side |
| 40% | 30% | Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable |
| 30% | 20% | Favorable, abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head |

## Notes

- 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.*

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