VASRD 5210 · Musculoskeletal System

Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) VA Disability Rating

A flail shoulder means your upper arm has no stability or motion due to severe joint damage.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
80%Your shoulder is completely nonfunctional and unstable.

How the VA Evaluates Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder)

Diagnosis of flail shoulder requires evidence of dislocation and no active shoulder function. Must be confirmed by imaging and orthopedic examination.

Approval rate

Moderate – rare but clearly rated when confirmed by imaging.

Annual service-connected

60 veterans

Average rating

80%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-rays or MRI showing joint collapse
  • •VA orthopedic reports describing functional loss
  • •Occupational therapy documentation of ADL difficulty

Strategy Tips

  • •Clarify degree of motion loss in shoulder
  • •Submit shoulder instability imaging

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failure to prove full instability
  • •No imaging submitted

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Mistaking general weakness for complete instability
  • •Submitting without orthopedic imaging

Onset Patterns

  • •Common after traumatic dislocation or nerve injury

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Brachial Plexus Injury

    Associated nerve damage from instability

  • Chronic Pain Syndrome

    Due to total joint collapse

Common questions about Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder)

Is Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) under VASRD diagnostic code 5210 (Musculoskeletal System). A flail shoulder means your upper arm has no stability or motion due to severe joint damage.
What VA disability rating can I get for Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder)?
Possible VA ratings for Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) are 80%. Examples: 80% — Your shoulder is completely nonfunctional and unstable..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder)?
The average awarded rating for Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) is 80%. Roughly 60 veterans are service-connected for Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – rare but clearly rated when confirmed by imaging..
What evidence helps prove Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) claim includes: X-rays or MRI showing joint collapse; VA orthopedic reports describing functional loss; Occupational therapy documentation of ADL difficulty.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder): Mistaking general weakness for complete instability; Submitting without orthopedic imaging.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) include: Brachial Plexus Injury, Chronic Pain Syndrome. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Impairment of the Humerus (Flail Shoulder) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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