VASRD 5212 · Musculoskeletal System

Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) VA Disability Rating

A condition where the upper arm bone didn’t heal correctly, causing instability or deformity.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Your dominant upper arm bone didn’t heal properly and is unstable.
50%Your non-dominant arm has a poorly healed fracture and is unstable.
30%Your arm bone healed crooked and affects function.

How the VA Evaluates Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus)

Must be shown via X-ray or CT scan with confirmation of either nonunion (no healing) or malunion (healed improperly).

Approval rate

Moderate – often linked to old fracture or failed surgery.

Annual service-connected

140 veterans

Average rating

45%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Radiologist report confirming nonunion or malunion
  • •C&P exam with joint mobility findings
  • •Surgical history or post-op imaging

Strategy Tips

  • •Include imaging and ROM notes
  • •Describe impact on lifting and arm control

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Misclassifying healed fracture as nonunion
  • •Lack of functional impact documentation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Submitting without imaging
  • •Not distinguishing dominant side

Onset Patterns

  • •Usually follows traumatic injury or failed fracture treatment

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Nerve Entrapment

    Bone deformity compresses nearby nerves

  • Joint Degeneration

    Instability accelerates shoulder damage

Common questions about Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus)

Is Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) under VASRD diagnostic code 5212 (Musculoskeletal System). A condition where the upper arm bone didn’t heal correctly, causing instability or deformity.
What VA disability rating can I get for Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus)?
Possible VA ratings for Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) are 60%, 50%, 30%. Examples: 60% — Your dominant upper arm bone didn’t heal properly and is unstable.; 50% — Your non-dominant arm has a poorly healed fracture and is unstable.; 30% — Your arm bone healed crooked and affects function..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus)?
The average awarded rating for Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) is 45%. Roughly 140 veterans are service-connected for Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – often linked to old fracture or failed surgery..
What evidence helps prove Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) claim includes: Radiologist report confirming nonunion or malunion; C&P exam with joint mobility findings; Surgical history or post-op imaging.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus): Submitting without imaging; Not distinguishing dominant side.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Humerus (Nonunion of Humerus) include: Nerve Entrapment, Joint Degeneration. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

Open the calculator