VASRD 5200 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) VA Disability Rating

Shoulder ankylosis means your joint is stiff or frozen, severely limiting arm motion.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
50%Your dominant shoulder is frozen and can’t move more than 25°.
40%Your non-dominant shoulder is frozen and can’t move more than 25°.
30%Your shoulder is stiff but moves between 25° and 60°.
20%Your shoulder is stiff but you can still eat and groom yourself.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)

Ankylosis must be diagnosed with imaging and physical exam showing fixed joint movement.

Approval rate

Moderate – must clearly document abduction and rotation limits.

Annual service-connected

3,700 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-rays or MRI confirming joint fusion
  • •Range of motion tests from VA C&P exam
  • •Orthopedic surgeon’s report

Strategy Tips

  • •Clarify dominant arm in records
  • •Submit orthopedic evaluation and imaging

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failing to distinguish dominant vs. non-dominant arm
  • •Incomplete ROM measurement documentation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming without ROM testing
  • •Confusing shoulder pain with true ankylosis

Onset Patterns

  • •Usually follows chronic shoulder injury, surgery, or arthritis

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Neck Strain

    Compensating for shoulder immobility

  • Tendonitis

    Overuse of elbow and wrist joints

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)

Is Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) under VASRD diagnostic code 5200 (Musculoskeletal System). Shoulder ankylosis means your joint is stiff or frozen, severely limiting arm motion.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) are 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%. Examples: 50% — Your dominant shoulder is frozen and can’t move more than 25°.; 40% — Your non-dominant shoulder is frozen and can’t move more than 25°.; 30% — Your shoulder is stiff but moves between 25° and…
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) is 30%. Roughly 3,700 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – must clearly document abduction and rotation limits..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) claim includes: X-rays or MRI confirming joint fusion; Range of motion tests from VA C&P exam; Orthopedic surgeon’s report.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint): Claiming without ROM testing; Confusing shoulder pain with true ankylosis.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) include: Neck Strain, Tendonitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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