---
title: "DC 5203 - Clavicle or scapula, impairment of:"
diagnostic_code: "5203"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5203-clavicle-or-scapula-impairment-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:44:00.089639Z"
---

# DC 5203 - Clavicle or scapula, impairment of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20% | 20% | Dislocation of |
| 20% | 20% | Nonunion of: With loose movement |
| 10% | 10% | Nonunion of: Without loose movement |
| 10% | 10% | Malunion of |

## Notes

- Or rate on impairment of function of contiguous joint.

# Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula (Diagnostic Code 5203)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

The clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blade) are part of the shoulder structure. Under VA Diagnostic Code 5203, impairment of these bones is evaluated based on how the bones have healed and how they affect movement.

This diagnostic code covers three main types of bone impairment:

- **Dislocation** — the bone is displaced from its normal position.
- **Nonunion** — a break that has not healed back together, which may or may not include loose movement at the site.
- **Malunion** — a break that has healed, but in an improper position.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns the following disability ratings under this code. Ratings are the same whether the affected arm is the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.

| Rating | Impairment |
|--------|------------|
| **20%** | Dislocation of the clavicle or scapula |
| **20%** | Nonunion with loose movement |
| **10%** | Nonunion without loose movement |
| **10%** | Malunion of the clavicle or scapula |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating impairment of the clavicle or scapula, the VA considers:

- Whether the bone is **dislocated**.
- Whether there is a **nonunion**, and if so, whether there is **loose movement** at the site of the nonunion.
- Whether there is a **malunion** (a break that healed in an improper position).

**Alternative rating method:** The VA may also choose to rate this condition based on the **impairment of function of the contiguous joint** (the neighboring joint), depending on how the impairment affects that joint.

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