VA Disability Rating for Humerus Impairment
Diagnostic Code 5202 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
DC 5202 covers various impairments of the humerus, which is the upper arm bone connecting your shoulder to your elbow. This includes malunion where the bone heals in a misaligned position, recurrent dislocation of the shoulder at the upper end of the humerus, fibrous union where the fracture heals with scar tissue instead of solid bone, nonunion where the fracture fails to heal, and loss of the humeral head. Each of these conditions affects shoulder function differently but all result from structural damage to the bone. Veterans commonly develop these conditions from falls, combat injuries, training accidents, or heavy overhead work during service.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Loss of head of the humerus (flail shoulder) — major (dominant) arm. |
| 70% | Loss of head of the humerus (flail shoulder) — minor (non-dominant) arm. |
| 60% | Nonunion of the humerus (false flail joint) — major (dominant) arm. |
| 50% | Nonunion of the humerus (false flail joint) — minor (non-dominant) arm. Also: fibrous union of the humerus — major (dominant) arm. |
| 40% | Fibrous union of the humerus — minor (non-dominant) arm. |
| 30% | Recurrent dislocation at the scapulohumeral joint with frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements — major (dominant) arm. Also: malunion of the humerus with marked deformity — major (dominant) arm. |
| 20% | Recurrent dislocation at the scapulohumeral joint with frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements — minor (non-dominant) arm; recurrent dislocation with infrequent episodes and guarding of movement only at shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction at 90°) — either arm; malunion with marked deformity — minor arm; malunion with moderate deformity — either arm. |
Evidence Needed
- Imaging showing the specific humerus impairment such as malunion, nonunion, or bone loss
- Medical records documenting the original injury during service
- History of dislocations with dates and circumstances
- Range of motion measurements of the shoulder
- Documentation of which arm is dominant
C&P Exam Tips
- Bring imaging that clearly shows the bone abnormality
- Keep a log of dislocation episodes if you have recurrent dislocations
- Demonstrate your shoulder range of motion limitations
- Make sure the examiner records your dominant arm
- Describe any guarding behavior where you protect the shoulder from certain movements
How to File
File under DC 5202 for humerus impairment. Specify the type of impairment — malunion, recurrent dislocation, fibrous union, nonunion, or loss of humeral head — as each has different rating criteria. Include imaging and document your dominant arm.
Common Mistakes
Not specifying the exact type of humerus impairment in the claim Failing to document recurrent dislocation episodes with dates Not getting updated imaging to show the current state of the bone Missing nerve damage that occurred during shoulder dislocations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fibrous union and nonunion?
Fibrous union means the fracture healed with scar tissue instead of solid bone, creating a weak connection. Nonunion means the fracture never healed at all and the bone ends remain separate. Nonunion is rated higher because it creates a false joint with more instability.
How many dislocations count as recurrent?
There is no specific number required, but the VA distinguishes between frequent episodes and infrequent episodes. Keeping a detailed log of every dislocation with dates, circumstances, and medical treatment helps establish the frequency pattern.