Damage or impairment to the collarbone or shoulder blade affecting shoulder function.
Medical records that document the specific type of impairment matter most here. A diagnosis of dislocation, nonunion, or malunion should appear clearly in imaging reports such as X-rays or CT scans, along with notes from treating providers describing how the bone healed or failed to heal.
For a nonunion rating, an exam finding or imaging report showing whether loose movement exists at the fracture site is directly relevant, since that distinction separates the 20% level from the 10% level.
If VA rates the condition based on impairment of the shoulder joint instead, range-of-motion measurements taken during a VA examination become key evidence. These measurements show how far you can move your shoulder in each direction compared to normal.
Statements from you or people who know you describing how the condition affects your ability to lift, reach, carry, or perform work tasks can help show the functional impact. Records from physical therapy or repeated clinical visits that track changes in your condition over time also support the overall picture.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
