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VA diagnostic code directory

Browse VA Diagnostic Codes by Body Area

Start with the place that hurts or is not working normally. You can still browse every VA body system below.

Shoulder conditions

22 diagnostic codes

Selected area: Both shoulders

These codes can cover either side, both sides, or more than one body part. Check each description.

DC 5051Shoulder replacement (prosthesis)

This diagnostic code covers shoulder replacement surgery where you've had an artificial joint (prosthesis) implanted. The VA automatically gives you 100% dis...

DC 5120Complete amputation, upper extremity

This diagnostic code covers complete amputation of your entire arm or significant portions of it. The VA rates these amputations at either 90% or 100% depend...

DC 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of

Scapulohumeral articulation ankylosis is when your shoulder joint becomes completely stiff or fused, meaning the joint where your shoulder blade meets your u...

DC 5201Arm, limitation of motion of

This diagnostic code covers situations where you have limited movement in your arm, specifically at the shoulder joint. The VA rates this condition based on...

DC 5202Humerus, other impairment of

This rating covers various problems with your upper arm bone (humerus) that don't fit into other specific categories. The VA rates these injuries from 20% to...

DC 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment of

This diagnostic code covers injuries or problems with your clavicle (collarbone) or scapula (shoulder blade). The VA rates these conditions based on how well...

DC 5301Group I. Function: Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of arm above shoulder level. Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus

This diagnostic code covers injuries to the muscles that help lift your shoulder blade and raise your arm above shoulder level - mainly the trapezius (the bi...

DC 5302Group II. Function: Depression of arm from vertical overhead to hanging at side (1, 2); downward rotation of scapula (3, 4); 1 and 2 act with Group III in forward and backward swing of arm. Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major II (costosternal); (2) latissimus dorsi and teres major (teres major, although technically an intrinsic muscle, is included with latissimus dorsi); (3) pectoralis minor; (4) rhomboid

This diagnostic code covers injuries to a specific group of muscles that help move your shoulder and arm - including your chest muscles (pectoralis), back mu...

DC 5303Group III. Function: Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Pectoralis major I (clavicular); (2) deltoid

This diagnostic code covers injuries to specific shoulder muscles that help you lift and move your arm to shoulder height - mainly the front part of your che...

DC 5304Group IV. Function: Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding head of humerus in socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of arm. Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis

This diagnostic code covers injuries to the four small but crucial muscles that keep your shoulder stable and moving properly - the rotator cuff muscles plus...

DC 8510Paralysis of upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)

Diagnostic Code 8510 covers paralysis of the musculospiral nerve, which controls movement in your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. This nerve runs down your...

DC 8513Paralysis of all radicular groups

Diagnostic code 8513 covers paralysis (complete loss of muscle function and movement) in specific body parts, though the VA Schedule doesn't specify which bo...

DC 8518Paralysis of circumflex nerve

This diagnostic code covers paralysis of the axillary nerve, which controls your ability to lift your arm out to the side and rotate it outward. The VA rates...

DC 8519Paralysis of long thoracic nerve

Diagnostic Code 8519 covers paralysis of unspecified nerves or muscle groups that don't fall under other specific paralysis codes in the VA rating system. Th...

DC 8610Neuritis of upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)

Neuritis is inflammation or damage to nerves that can cause pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of function in affected areas. The VA rates neuritis under this...

DC 8613Neuritis of all radicular groups

Neuritis is inflammation of one or more nerves that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. The VA rates neuritis using the same scale as paralysis...

DC 8618Neuritis of circumflex nerve

Neuritis under diagnostic code 8618 refers to inflammation of nerves, specifically affecting the axillary nerve that controls shoulder movement and sensation...

DC 8619Neuritis of long thoracic nerve

Neuritis is inflammation of one or more nerves that causes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. The VA rates neuritis using the same criteria as paralysis...

DC 8710Neuralgia of upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)

Neuralgia is severe nerve pain, often described as burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like sensations along a nerve pathway. Under diagnostic code 8710, th...

DC 8713Neuralgia of all radicular groups

Neuralgia is nerve pain that can feel like sharp, shooting, burning, or electric shock-like sensations along a nerve pathway. The VA rates neuralgia under th...

DC 8718Neuralgia of circumflex nerve

Neuralgia is nerve pain that can cause sharp, burning, or shooting sensations along nerve pathways. Under diagnostic code 8718, the VA rates neuralgia by tre...

DC 8719Neuralgia of long thoracic nerve

Neuralgia is nerve pain that feels like sharp, shooting, or burning sensations along specific nerve pathways. The VA rates neuralgia using the same criteria...

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Musculoskeletal System (162 codes)
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Ear (12 codes)
Smell and Taste (2 codes)
Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders, and Nutritional Deficiencies (31 codes)
Respiratory System (61 codes)
Cardiovascular System (33 codes)
Digestive System (51 codes)
Genitourinary System (40 codes)
Gynecological Conditions (20 codes)
Hemic and Lymphatic Systems (21 codes)
Skin (30 codes)
Endocrine System (19 codes)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (119 codes)
Mental Disorders (33 codes)
Dental and Oral Conditions (15 codes)

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.