VASRD 5120 · Musculoskeletal

Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation VA Disability Rating

Amputation of the arm at the shoulder joint.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
90%Entire arm removed at shoulder

How the VA Evaluates Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation

Operative records, prosthetic evaluations.

Approval rate

Very High (~95%) if amputation documented.

Annual service-connected

60 veterans

Average rating

90%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Surgical documentation
  • Occupational therapy notes

Strategy Tips

  • Include rehab and prosthetic records
  • Note limitations in ADLs (daily living)

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Claiming prosthetic discomfort alone
  • No functional impact described

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Not distinguishing location of amputation
  • Missing prosthetic documentation

Onset Patterns

  • Traumatic injury, battlefield amputation

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Phantom Limb Pain

    Common post-amputation

  • Depression

    Loss of limb function

Common questions about Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation

Is Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation under VASRD diagnostic code 5120 (Musculoskeletal). Amputation of the arm at the shoulder joint.
What VA disability rating can I get for Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation?
Possible VA ratings for Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation are 90%. Examples: 90% — Entire arm removed at shoulder.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation?
The average awarded rating for Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation is 90%. Roughly 60 veterans are service-connected for Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation each year. Typical approval likelihood: Very High (~95%) if amputation documented..
What evidence helps prove Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation claim includes: Surgical documentation; Occupational therapy notes.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation?
Common pitfalls when filing for Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation: Not distinguishing location of amputation; Missing prosthetic documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation include: Phantom Limb Pain, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Amputation of Arm, Disarticulation combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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