VASRD 5120 · Musculoskeletal
Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity VA Disability Rating
This code covers complete amputation of the upper extremity at its two highest levels: forequarter amputation, which takes the humerus together with part of the shoulder girdle, and disarticulation, which removes the humerus only. Both rows pay the same on either side - this code has no dominant versus non-dominant difference - so the evaluation turns entirely on which of the two levels the operative record documents.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | The whole arm is removed along with part of the shoulder blade, collarbone and/or ribs. This rates 100 percent, the same figure for either arm. |
| 90% | The whole arm is removed at the shoulder joint, leaving the shoulder blade and collarbone in place. This rates 90 percent, the same figure for either arm. |
How the VA Evaluates Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity
DC 5120 has two criterion rows. "Forequarter amputation (involving complete removal of the humerus along with any portion of the scapula, clavicle, and/or ribs)" rates 100 percent. "Disarticulation (involving complete removal of the humerus only)" rates 90 percent. On both rows the major and minor rating columns carry the same figure, so hand dominance changes nothing here. The deciding evidence is the operative report describing exactly what was removed - specifically whether any part of the scapula, clavicle or ribs went with the humerus.
Approval outlook
Very High (~95%) if amputation documented.
Veterans service-connected
~60 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 documentation confirming the disarticulation.
- •Occupational therapy notes.
Strategy Tips
- •Request the full operative report rather than the discharge summary, since the 100 percent row turns on removal of part of the shoulder girdle along with the humerus.
- •Document prosthetic fitting difficulties and limits on daily activities. They do not change this code's tier, but they support the separate claims that turn on functional loss.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •An operative record that says only "shoulder amputation" without stating whether any part of the scapula, clavicle or ribs was removed - that distinction is the whole difference between the 90 and 100 percent rows.
- •Arguing hand dominance for a higher evaluation; both rows of this code pay the same on either side.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not establishing whether the amputation was a forequarter amputation or a disarticulation.
- •Missing prosthetic and rehabilitation documentation.
Onset Patterns
- •This type of amputation typically results from traumatic injury, including battlefield amputation.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Phantom Limb Pain
Common post-amputation
Depression
Loss of limb function
Common questions about Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity
- Is Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity under VASRD diagnostic code 5120 (Musculoskeletal). This code covers complete amputation of the upper extremity at its two highest levels: forequarter amputation, which takes the humerus together with part of the shoulder girdle, and disarticulation, which r…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity?
- Possible VA ratings for Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity are 100%, 90%. Examples: 100%: The whole arm is removed along with part of the shoulder blade, collarbone and/or ribs. This rates 100 percent, the same figure for either arm.; 90%: The whole arm is removed at the shoulder joint, leaving the shoulder bl…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity at around 90%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 60 veterans are service-connected for Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity. Estimated approval outlook: Very High (~95%) if amputation documente…
- What evidence helps prove Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity claim includes: Surgical documentation confirming the disarticulation.; Occupational therapy notes..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity: Not establishing whether the amputation was a forequarter amputation or a disarticulation.; Missing prosthetic and rehabilitation documentation..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity include: Phantom Limb Pain, Depression. 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 5120)
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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