Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5203
Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Secondary to Hand, Loss of Use
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 Hand, Loss of Use.
Why Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Is Linked to Hand, Loss of Use
Overuse of opposite side
Primary condition · VASRD 5125
Hand, Loss of Use
This code covers loss of use of one hand - the point at which the hand keeps no effective function, whether the cause is a crush injury, nerve paralysis or anything else. It rates the dominant (major) hand at 70 percent and the non-dominant (minor) hand at 60. It is loss of function, not amputation: the amputation levels have their own codes.
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 Hand, Loss of Use — severity of Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
70% Hand, Loss of Use + 10% Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula = 73%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 70% and 10% combine to 73%, not 80%. 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 Hand, Loss of Use
- Can Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula be service-connected as secondary to Hand, Loss of Use?
- 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 opposite side You'll need a current Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Han…
- 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 Hand, Loss of Use.
- 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 70% rating for Hand, Loss of Use combined with a 10% rating for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula (example figures) produces a combined rating of 73%, not 80%. Approving Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula as second…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula as secondary to Hand, Loss of Use?
- 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 Hand, Loss of Use guide
Secondary condition
Full Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula guide
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