VASRD 5204 · Musculoskeletal System

Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) VA Disability Rating

Shoulder dislocation or fusion causes pain and limits arm movement.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Your dominant shoulder is partially fused and stiff.
20%Your non-dominant shoulder is partially fused and stiff.
20%Your shoulder dislocates often and you avoid using your arm.
10%Your shoulder sometimes dislocates and you're careful with movement.

How the VA Evaluates Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation)

Diagnosed through imaging and physical examination showing loss of joint stability, fibrous union, or recurrent dislocations.

Approval rate

Moderate – evidence of instability must be clearly documented.

Annual service-connected

1,900 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •MRI or CT scan showing joint changes
  • •VA orthopedic exam notes
  • •Physical therapy reports on joint stability

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit imaging and rehab notes
  • •Explain dislocation frequency clearly in your statement

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not specifying frequency of dislocations
  • •Missing documentation of fibrous union

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming without clear imaging
  • •Assuming pain alone is sufficient for rating

Onset Patterns

  • •Often follows trauma, military-related lifting injury, or failed surgery

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Rotator Cuff Tear

    Repetitive dislocation can damage tendons

  • Chronic Pain Syndrome

    Recurring instability leads to ongoing pain

Common questions about Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation)

Is Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) under VASRD diagnostic code 5204 (Musculoskeletal System). Shoulder dislocation or fusion causes pain and limits arm movement.
What VA disability rating can I get for Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation)?
Possible VA ratings for Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) are 30%, 20%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30% — Your dominant shoulder is partially fused and stiff.; 20% — Your non-dominant shoulder is partially fused and stiff.; 20% — Your shoulder dislocates often and you avoid using your arm..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation)?
The average awarded rating for Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) is 20%. Roughly 1,900 veterans are service-connected for Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – evidence of instability must be clearly documented..
What evidence helps prove Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) claim includes: MRI or CT scan showing joint changes; VA orthopedic exam notes; Physical therapy reports on joint stability.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation): Claiming without clear imaging; Assuming pain alone is sufficient for rating.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Scapulohumeral Muscles (Shoulder Fixation) include: Rotator Cuff Tear, Chronic Pain Syndrome. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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