VASRD 5121 · Musculoskeletal System
Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid VA Disability Rating
This code covers amputation of the arm above the point where the deltoid inserts. The amputation level fixes which code applies; the code's two percentages are not two heights but the two sides - 90 percent for the dominant (major) upper extremity and 80 percent for the non-dominant (minor) one. An amputation below the deltoid insertion is rated under DC 5122 at 80/70 instead.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid
DC 5121's single criterion row is "Above insertion of deltoid", rated 90 percent in the major (dominant) column and 80 percent in the minor (non-dominant) column. Two facts therefore decide the outcome: the operative record has to place the amputation above the deltoid insertion, which is what separates this code from DC 5122 below it, and the file has to establish which hand is dominant. Residual limb length, prosthetic success and functional recovery do not move the tier.
Approval outlook
Very high (~95%) if service-connected trauma or surgery.
Veterans service-connected
~300 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~90%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Surgical reports documenting the precise amputation level.
- •Occupational therapy evaluations assessing residual arm function.
Strategy Tips
- •Ask for the operative note that identifies the amputation level relative to the deltoid insertion; that single fact selects the diagnostic code and with it both percentages.
- •Raise phantom limb pain, prosthetic complications and overuse of the opposite shoulder as separate claims - they do not raise this code's evaluation, which is set by the level and the side.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Surgical records that do not state where the amputation falls relative to the deltoid insertion, which is what separates this code from DC 5122 below the insertion.
- •No documentation of hand dominance, which is the only thing separating the 90 percent column from the 80 percent one.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Missing rehabilitation notes.
- •No prosthetic evaluation to support the functional picture.
Onset Patterns
- •This level of amputation usually results from battlefield trauma, a severe fracture, or an infection requiring surgical removal.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Phantom Limb Pain
Nerve signal mismatch
Shoulder Pain
Overuse of residual muscles
Common questions about Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid
- Is Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid under VASRD diagnostic code 5121 (Musculoskeletal System). This code covers amputation of the arm above the point where the deltoid inserts. The amputation level fixes which code applies; the code's two percentages are not two heights but the two sides - 90…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid?
- Possible VA ratings for Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid are 90%, 80%. Examples: 90%: The arm is amputated above the point where the deltoid attaches. On your dominant side this rates 90 percent.; 80%: The same amputation on your non-dominant side rates 80 percent..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid at around 90%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 300 veterans are service-connected for Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid. Estimated approval outlook: Very high (~95%) if service-connected t…
- What evidence helps prove Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid claim includes: Surgical reports documenting the precise amputation level.; Occupational therapy evaluations assessing residual arm function..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid: Missing rehabilitation notes.; No prosthetic evaluation to support the functional picture..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid include: Phantom Limb Pain, Shoulder Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5121)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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