Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5203
Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Secondary to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula when it develops after Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid.
Why Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Is Linked to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid
Overuse of residual muscles
Primary condition · VASRD 5121
Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid
This code covers amputation of the arm above the point where the deltoid inserts. The amputation level fixes which code applies; the code's two percentages are not two heights but the two sides - 90 percent for the dominant (major) upper extremity and 80 percent for the non-dominant (minor) one. An amputation below the deltoid insertion is rated under DC 5122 at 80/70 instead.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5203
Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula
Damage to the collarbone or shoulder blade that affects shoulder function and stability.
Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid — severity of Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
90% Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid + 10% Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula = 91%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 90% and 10% combine to 91%, not 100%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Evidence for a Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Secondary Claim
- •Imaging showing the clavicle or scapula fracture or dislocation.
- •A VA exam specifically documenting joint instability or movement limits.
- •An orthopedic specialist's report.
Common questions about Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula secondary to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid
- Can Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula be service-connected as secondary to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Overuse of residual muscles You'll need a current Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected…
- What VA rating can I get for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula as a secondary condition?
- Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5203 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula itself, not on the severity of Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of…
- How does a secondary Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 90% rating for Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid combined with a 10% rating for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula (example figures) produces a combined rating of 91%, not 100%. Approving Impairment of the Cla…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula as secondary to Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula diagnosis includes: Imaging showing the clavicle or scapula fracture or dislocation.; A VA exam specifically documenting joint instability or movement limits.; An orthopedic specialist's report.. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from…
Primary condition
Full Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid guide
Secondary condition
Full Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula guide
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See how Arm, Amputation Above Insertion of Deltoid and Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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