Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation

DC 5202Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5202

Repeated dislocation of the humerus (upper arm bone) at the shoulder joint, often following an initial traumatic dislocation during service. The VA rates recurrent shoulder dislocation based on the frequency of episodes and whether the episodes involve guarding of all arm movements.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 5202

Rating range

20% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5202. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have loss of head of the humerus (flail shoulder) on the dominant arm. This represents the most severe impairment under this code, with near-total loss of shoulder function.

What the VA looks for

Loss of humeral head confirmed on imaging
Flail shoulder documented on examination
Dominant arm affected
Near-total loss of shoulder function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency of dislocation episodes — the distinction between "infrequent" and "frequent" directly determines the rating level.
⚠Not specifying whether the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm is affected — the dominant arm receives higher ratings at 30% and above.
⚠Not requesting the examiner to perform apprehension and relocation tests — these objective tests confirm instability even if the shoulder does not dislocate during the exam.
⚠Not keeping a log of dislocation events with dates, circumstances, and any emergency room visits — this evidence supports the frequency of episodes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Shoulder and Arm Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5202

Rating range

20% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have loss of head of the humerus (flail shoulder) on the dominant arm. This represents the most severe impairment under this code, with near-total loss of shoulder function.

What the VA looks for

Loss of humeral head confirmed on imaging
Flail shoulder documented on examination
Dominant arm affected
Near-total loss of shoulder function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency of dislocation episodes — the distinction between "infrequent" and "frequent" directly determines the rating level.

⚠Not specifying whether the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm is affected — the dominant arm receives higher ratings at 30% and above.

⚠Not requesting the examiner to perform apprehension and relocation tests — these objective tests confirm instability even if the shoulder does not dislocate during the exam.

⚠Not keeping a log of dislocation events with dates, circumstances, and any emergency room visits — this evidence supports the frequency of episodes.