Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a
Scapulohumeral articulation ankylosis is when your shoulder joint becomes completely stiff or fused, meaning the joint where your shoulder blade meets your upper arm bone can't move normally. The VA rates this condition based on how much you can lift your arm out to the side (abduction), with ratings from 20% to 40%. A 40% rating means you can barely lift your arm 25 degrees from your body, while a 20% rating means you can still reach your mouth and head but only lift your arm about 60 degrees to the side.
Rating levels
- 50% — Your shoulder joint is completely fused or locked in place (ankylosis), and you can only lift your arm 25 degrees or less away from your side. This is considered an unfavorable position because your arm is essentially stuck close to your body, severely limiting your ability to reach, lift, or perform most daily activities that require arm movement.
- 40% — Your shoulder joint is completely frozen or fused in a bad position (ankylosis means the joint can't move at all), and you can only lift your arm 25 degrees or less away from your side. This is considered an unfavorable position because your arm is stuck close to your body, severely limiting your ability to reach, lift, or perform daily activities that require arm movement.
- 40% — Your shoulder joint is completely frozen or fused in a position that's somewhat functional but not ideal. The joint allows you to perform some daily activities, but you have significant limitations in reaching, lifting, or moving your arm compared to a completely flexible shoulder. This is more restrictive than a shoulder frozen in the best possible position, but less disabling than one frozen in a poor position that severely limits function.
- 30% — Your shoulder joint is completely frozen and cannot move at all (ankylosis), but it's stuck in a position that's somewhat functional - not the best possible position for daily activities, but not the worst either. You have some ability to use your arm for basic tasks, though with significant limitations compared to normal shoulder movement.
- 30% — Your shoulder joint is completely fused or locked in place (ankylosis), but it's positioned in a way that still allows some useful function. You can lift your arm out to the side up to 60 degrees and you're still able to reach your mouth and head for basic daily activities like eating and grooming.
- 20% — Your shoulder joint is completely fused (ankylosis means the joint cannot move at all), but it's positioned in a way that works well for daily activities. You can still lift your arm out to the side up to 60 degrees and reach your mouth and head for eating, drinking, and personal care.