Education · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Bones, joints, and spine (musculoskeletal system) · not your rating · we do not file
Impairment of clavicle or scapula VA rating (DC 5203)
VA rates impairment of clavicle or scapula under diagnostic code 5203 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The rule book lists 10% and 20%. Below: each level in plain English, then the exact words.
Rule-book name: Clavicle or scapula, impairment of. Last checked against eCFR on 2026-10-10 (eCFR issue 2026-08-27). Official text: 38 CFR § 4.71a on eCFR.
Each rating level in plain English
- Major 20%, Minor 20%: Minor 20%, the published words look at: the joint giving way or slipping out of place. The rule book prints different percents by column (Major, Minor), for example dominant ("major") and non-dominant ("minor") arm.
- Major 20%, Minor 20%: Minor 20%, read the exact words below. We have not mapped this line to plain words, so we quote it rather than guess. The rule book prints different percents by column (Major, Minor), for example dominant ("major") and non-dominant ("minor") arm.
- Major 10%, Minor 10%: Minor 10%, read the exact words below. We have not mapped this line to plain words, so we quote it rather than guess. The rule book prints different percents by column (Major, Minor), for example dominant ("major") and non-dominant ("minor") arm.
- Major 10%, Minor 10%: Minor 10%, read the exact words below. We have not mapped this line to plain words, so we quote it rather than guess. The rule book prints different percents by column (Major, Minor), for example dominant ("major") and non-dominant ("minor") arm.
Plain words come from our reading aid for the published words. They never add a symptom. The quotes below are the rule.
Exact words in 38 CFR § 4.71a
Major 20%, Minor 20% · “Dislocation of”
Major 20%, Minor 20% · “With loose movement”
Major 10%, Minor 10% · “Without loose movement”
Major 10%, Minor 10% · “Malunion of”
Notes printed with this code
“Or rate on impairment of function of contiguous joint.”
What records usually show this
VA reads these things from your records: service treatment records, VA and private treatment records, and the VA claim exam (C&P exam). The published words on this page talk about:
- The joint giving way or slipping out of place: usually found in treatment notes, prescriptions, or a log you kept that show how often, when those records exist.
Education only. This does not say you have any of these, and a record that mentions them does not decide a rating. Only write what is true for you. Evidence needed for your disability claim · VA claim exam (C&P exam)
Put your records next to these lines
Statement review checks your own statement against the published words for this code and points out what it does not cover yet. It does not write it for you. Ask My Records finds where your uploaded records mention these topics and shows the page number.
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Common questions
What percentages does the VA rating schedule list for Impairment of clavicle or scapula (DC 5203)?
38 CFR § 4.71a lists 10% and 20% for diagnostic code 5203. VA decides which line fits from the evidence. This page is not your rating.
Where do these words come from?
They are quoted from the public eCFR copy of 38 CFR § 4.71a, last checked 2026-10-10. The official page is linked on this page so you can check every word.
Does this page tell me what my rating will be?
No. It shows what the published rule book says. It does not predict a rating, a decision, or a dollar amount, and it does not say you have this condition.
Who can file a VA claim for me for free?
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can prepare and file a claim with you at no cost. VA lists accredited representatives on VA.gov. We do not file.
This page quotes the public VA rule book. It is not your rating and not your pay. We do not say you have this condition. We do not file. You, or a free accredited representative, file with VA.
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