Humerus, other impairment of DC 5202
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5202 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Arms & hands.
Also searched as: shoulder dislocation, shoulder instability.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 7 rating levels for this code: 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
It affects one arm, so each side is rated on its own. When both sides are rated, VA adds the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 80%70% minor | Loss of head of (flail shoulder) |
| 60%50% minor | Nonunion of (false flail joint) |
| 50%40% minor | Fibrous union of |
| 30%20% minor | Recurrent dislocation of at scapulohumeral joint:With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements |
| 20% | Recurrent dislocation of at scapulohumeral joint:With infrequent episodes and guarding of movement only at shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction at 90 °) |
| 30%20% minor | Malunion of:Marked deformity |
| 20% | Malunion of:Moderate deformity |
Where two ratings are shown, the first is for your major (dominant) arm and the second for the minor arm (38 CFR 4.69).
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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