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Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5200

Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) Secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion

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 Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) when it develops after Arm, Limitation of Motion.

Why Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) Is Linked to Arm, Limitation of Motion

Limited movement can lead to stiffness

Primary condition · VASRD 5201

Arm, Limitation of Motion

Difficulty or inability to raise the arm due to injury or joint damage.

Secondary condition · VASRD 5200

Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)

Shoulder ankylosis means your joint is stiff or frozen, severely limiting arm motion.

Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) VA Rating Tiers

The VA rates Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion — severity of Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) itself determines the percentage.

RatingCriteria
50%Your dominant shoulder is frozen and can’t move more than 25°.
40%Your non-dominant shoulder is frozen and can’t move more than 25°.
30%Your shoulder is stiff but moves between 25° and 60°.
20%Your shoulder is stiff but you can still eat and groom yourself.

Example combined rating

20% Arm, Limitation of Motion + 30% Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) = 44%

The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 30% combine to 44%, not 50%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.

Evidence for a Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) Secondary Claim

  • X-rays or MRI confirming true joint fusion.
  • Range-of-motion tests from a VA C&P exam.
  • An orthopedic surgeon's report documenting the fusion's severity and angle.

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion

Can Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) be service-connected as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion?
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. Limited movement can lead to stiffness You'll need a current Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion li…
What VA rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) as a secondary condition?
Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5200 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%. The rating depends on the severity of Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) itself,…
How does a secondary Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) claim affect my combined VA rating?
The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 20% rating for Arm, Limitation of Motion combined with a 30% rating for Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 44%, not 50%. Approving Ankylosis of th…
What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion?
Strong evidence for the underlying Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) diagnosis includes: X-rays or MRI confirming true joint fusion.; Range-of-motion tests from a VA C&P exam.; An orthopedic surgeon's report documenting the fusion's severity and angle.. For the secondary link itself, a nexu…

Primary condition

Full Arm, Limitation of Motion guide

Secondary condition

Full Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) guide

Estimate your combined rating

See how Arm, Limitation of Motion and Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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