VASRD 5203 · Musculoskeletal System

Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula VA Disability Rating

Damage to the collarbone or shoulder blade that affects shoulder function and stability.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
20%Your shoulder joint is unstable and moves abnormally.
10%Your collarbone healed wrong or is misaligned, but the joint is mostly stable.

How the VA Evaluates Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula

Impairment includes dislocation, nonunion, or malunion confirmed through X-ray or physical findings.

Approval rate

Moderate – depends on confirming imaging and shoulder function loss.

Annual service-connected

2,200 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Imaging showing clavicle or scapula fracture/dislocation
  • •VA exam showing joint instability or movement limits
  • •Orthopedic specialist report

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit detailed imaging with report
  • •Use orthopedic notes on functional impact

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failing to note whether joint has 'loose movement'
  • •Missing comparison with uninjured side

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No imaging to support dislocation or deformity
  • •Filing based only on shoulder pain

Onset Patterns

  • •Common after falls, vehicle accidents, or sports injuries

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Shoulder Arthritis

    Chronic instability leads to joint wear

  • Rotator Cuff Tear

    Altered mechanics cause tendon damage

Common questions about Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula

Is Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula under VASRD diagnostic code 5203 (Musculoskeletal System). Damage to the collarbone or shoulder blade that affects shoulder function and stability.
What VA disability rating can I get for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula?
Possible VA ratings for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20% — Your shoulder joint is unstable and moves abnormally.; 10% — Your collarbone healed wrong or is misaligned, but the joint is mostly stable..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula?
The average awarded rating for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula is 10%. Roughly 2,200 veterans are service-connected for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – depends on confirming imaging and shoulder function loss..
What evidence helps prove Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula claim includes: Imaging showing clavicle or scapula fracture/dislocation; VA exam showing joint instability or movement limits; Orthopedic specialist report.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula?
Common pitfalls when filing for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula: No imaging to support dislocation or deformity; Filing based only on shoulder pain.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula include: Shoulder Arthritis, Rotator Cuff Tear. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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