Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a
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% depending on how much was removed. A 90% rating applies when your entire arm bone (humerus) was removed but your shoulder blade and collarbone remain intact. A 100% rating applies when the amputation included removing part of your shoulder blade, collarbone, or ribs along with your arm.
Rating levels
- 100% — This criteria covers the most extensive type of upper arm amputation where your entire arm is removed along with part or all of your shoulder blade (scapula), collar bone (clavicle), and possibly some ribs. The amputation goes beyond just removing the arm bone (humerus) and includes removing significant portions of your shoulder structure itself. This represents the most severe level of upper extremity amputation, resulting in complete loss of arm function and major structural changes to your shoulder area.
- 100% — This criteria covers the most extensive type of upper arm amputation where your entire arm is removed along with part or all of your shoulder blade (scapula), collar bone (clavicle), and possibly some ribs. The amputation goes beyond just removing the arm bone (humerus) and includes removing significant portions of your shoulder structure itself. This represents the most severe level of upper extremity amputation, resulting in complete loss of arm function and major structural changes to your shoulder area.
- 90% — Disarticulation means the complete removal of your entire upper arm bone (humerus) at the shoulder joint. This involves amputation where your whole arm from the shoulder down has been surgically removed, leaving you with no remaining portion of the upper arm bone attached to your body.
- 90% — Disarticulation means the complete removal of your entire upper arm bone (humerus) at the shoulder joint. This involves amputation where your whole arm from the shoulder down has been surgically removed, leaving you with no remaining portion of the upper arm bone attached to your body.