Shoulder Disarticulation

DC 5120Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5120

Complete removal of the arm at the shoulder joint, including the entire humerus. This is the highest level of upper extremity amputation and results in total loss of the arm. The VA assigns a fixed rating based on whether the amputated arm is the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity. Shoulder disarticulation qualifies for special monthly compensation.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 5120

Rating range

80% – 90%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5120. 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 shoulder disarticulation on your dominant (major) side. The entire dominant arm has been removed at the shoulder joint, causing profound functional impairment for all activities of daily living.

What the VA looks for

Surgical or trauma records documenting shoulder disarticulation
Dominant arm confirmed in medical records
Total loss of dominant upper extremity documented
Prosthetic evaluation and rehabilitation records
Severe impact on daily activities and employment documented
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting dominant vs non-dominant arm — the 10 percent difference between dominant (90%) and non-dominant (80%) is significant. Ensure medical records clearly identify hand dominance.
⚠Not claiming special monthly compensation (SMC) — shoulder disarticulation qualifies for SMC-k at minimum, and higher SMC levels may apply depending on other disabilities or bilateral involvement.
⚠Not filing phantom limb pain as a separate secondary claim — chronic phantom arm pain, tingling, or sensation is a distinct neurological condition that may warrant its own compensable rating.
⚠Not documenting prosthetic fit issues — skin breakdown, socket problems, and prosthetic limitations should be recorded as they support the severity of the disability and may warrant additional ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Amputations

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Shoulder Disarticulation

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5120

Rating range

80% – 90%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Surgical or trauma records documenting shoulder disarticulation
Dominant arm confirmed in medical records
Total loss of dominant upper extremity documented
Prosthetic evaluation and rehabilitation records
Severe impact on daily activities and employment documented
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting dominant vs non-dominant arm — the 10 percent difference between dominant (90%) and non-dominant (80%) is significant. Ensure medical records clearly identify hand dominance.

⚠Not claiming special monthly compensation (SMC) — shoulder disarticulation qualifies for SMC-k at minimum, and higher SMC levels may apply depending on other disabilities or bilateral involvement.

⚠Not filing phantom limb pain as a separate secondary claim — chronic phantom arm pain, tingling, or sensation is a distinct neurological condition that may warrant its own compensable rating.

⚠Not documenting prosthetic fit issues — skin breakdown, socket problems, and prosthetic limitations should be recorded as they support the severity of the disability and may warrant additional ratings.