VA Disability Rating for Clavicle or Scapula Impairment
Diagnostic Code 5203 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
DC 5203 covers impairments of the clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blade). The clavicle is one of the most commonly fractured bones, and veterans frequently break it from falls, direct impacts, or motor vehicle accidents during service. Impairments include dislocation of the acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joints, nonunion of a clavicle fracture, and malunion where the bone heals in a misaligned position. Scapula fractures are less common but can occur from high-energy trauma. These conditions can cause shoulder pain, weakness, and a visible bump or deformity at the injury site. The schedule prints four criteria for the clavicle or scapula, and the major and minor columns carry the same figure for each: dislocation, 20 percent; nonunion with loose movement, 20 percent; nonunion without loose movement, 10 percent; malunion, 10 percent. It then adds an alternative: "Or rate on impairment of function of contiguous joint" — which is how a clavicle or scapula injury that has cost real shoulder motion can be evaluated under the shoulder's own codes instead.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Dislocation of the clavicle or scapula, or nonunion of the clavicle or scapula with loose movement. Same figure for the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm. |
| 10% | Nonunion of the clavicle or scapula without loose movement, or malunion of the clavicle or scapula. Same figure for either arm. DC 5203 also provides, in place of these figures: "Or rate on impairment of function of contiguous joint." |
Evidence Needed
- Imaging showing the clavicle or scapula impairment
- Medical records from the original injury during service
- Physical examination findings documenting instability or deformity
- Range of motion measurements of the affected shoulder
- Documentation of pain and functional limitations
C&P Exam Tips
- Show the examiner any visible deformity or bump at the injury site
- Demonstrate any shoulder motion that causes pain or clicking at the clavicle
- Describe how reaching across your body or overhead is affected
- Mention any instability or feeling of the joint shifting
- Explain how the condition affects tasks like driving, reaching, or carrying
How to File
File under DC 5203 for clavicle or scapula impairment. Note that VA may alternatively rate your condition based on limitation of shoulder motion under DC 5201 if that produces a higher rating. Include imaging showing the bone abnormality and evidence of the service-connected injury.
Common Mistakes
- Not realizing that limitation of shoulder motion may provide a higher rating than DC 5203.
- Failing to document AC joint separation which is a form of clavicle dislocation.
- Not showing the physical deformity to the examiner.
- Missing secondary conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome from a healed clavicle malunion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I file under DC 5203 or DC 5201 for shoulder motion?
VA should rate you under whichever code gives you the higher rating. DC 5203 maxes out at 20 percent, while DC 5201 for limitation of shoulder motion can go higher. If your clavicle injury significantly limits your shoulder motion, DC 5201 may be more beneficial.
What is an AC joint separation?
An acromioclavicular joint separation is when the ligaments connecting your clavicle to your shoulder blade are torn, causing the end of the clavicle to ride up and create a visible bump. This is a common injury rated under DC 5203 as a dislocation of the clavicle.