Diagnostic Code 5200: Scapulohumeral Articulation. Ankylosis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 20% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Scapulohumeral Articulation. Ankylosis under diagnostic code 5200 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5200 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Favorable, abduction to 60 degrees, can reach mouth and head (minor arm) What raters look forfavorable ankylosis, minor arm |
| 30% | Favorable, abduction to 60 degrees, can reach mouth and head (major arm); intermediate between favorable and unfavorable (minor arm) What raters look forfavorable ankylosis, major arm; intermediate ankylosis, minor arm |
| 40% | Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable (major arm); unfavorable, abduction limited to 25 degrees from side (minor arm) What raters look forintermediate ankylosis, major arm; unfavorable ankylosis, minor arm |
| 50% | Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25 degrees from side (major arm) What raters look forunfavorable ankylosis, major arm |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Rotator Cuff Injury. The Rotator Cuff Injury condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Other conditions rated under this code: Shoulder.
What happens to Rotator Cuff Injury appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 2,391 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Rotator Cuff Injury, 2021 to 2026. The Rotator Cuff Injury condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Rotator Cuff Injury appeals generally rather than DC 5200 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5200?
Diagnostic code 5200 is the VA rating schedule entry for Scapulohumeral Articulation. Ankylosis, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5200?
DC 5200 provides ratings of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5200 require?
The 50% rating for Scapulohumeral Articulation. Ankylosis requires: Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25 degrees from side (major arm).
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