Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5203
Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Secondary to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)
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 Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors).
Why Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Is Linked to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)
Altered arm mechanics
Primary condition · VASRD 5306
Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)
Weakness or injury to triceps or similar muscles used to extend the elbow.
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 Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) — severity of Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) + 10% Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula = 19%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 10% combine to 19%, not 20%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula Secondary Claim
- •Imaging showing clavicle or scapula fracture/dislocation
- •VA exam showing joint instability or movement limits
- •Orthopedic specialist report
Common questions about Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula secondary to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)
- Can Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula be service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)?
- 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. Altered arm mechanics You'll need a current Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Muscle…
- 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 Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors).
- 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 10% rating for Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) combined with a 10% rating for Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula (example figures) produces a combined rating of 19%, not 20%. Approving Impairment of the Clavicle or S…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula as secondary to Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula diagnosis includes: Imaging showing clavicle or scapula fracture/dislocation; VA exam showing joint instability or movement limits; Orthopedic specialist report. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining ho…
Primary condition
Full Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) guide
Secondary condition
Full Impairment of the Clavicle or Scapula guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors) 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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